No other hospitals within 100 km. If non-urgent, consider calling 811 or seeing a pharmacist.
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La Verendrye General Hospital is Fort Frances's primary acute care facility and the main emergency hub for the Rainy River District of Northwestern Ontario, operated by Riverside Health Care. The 30-bed hospital features a full emergency department equipped to handle acute, urgent, emergent, chronic, and routine care, supported by 3 intensive care beds, surgical services, and visiting specialists. Residents across the Rainy River District rely on this ER for everything from life-threatening emergencies to complex medical needs, with access to telehealth connections through the NORTH Network for specialist consultations.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Acute care (30 beds, including 3 ICU beds), Surgical unit with fully integrated operating room, Day surgery and post-anaesthesia recovery, Labour and delivery (2 rooms), Endoscopy, Cardiac stress testing, Pre-admission clinic, Visiting specialists (oncology, pediatrics, geriatrics), Telehealth via NORTH Network, Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program, Stroke Prevention Clinic (via Riverside Health Care), Telestroke Program (via Riverside Health Care), Walk-In Mental Health Counselling (via Riverside Health Care), Inpatient and outpatient clinics, Telemetry unit.
Amenities
On-site parking
Chapel with stained glass windows
Hospital Auxiliary (La Verendrye General Hospital Auxiliary) supporting patient services
Main entrance registration at Front Street entrance
Emergency patients must register at the Emergency entrance — bring your OHIP card or applicable medical insurance information to speed up the registration process.
For non-emergency specialist needs, ask about the NORTH Network telehealth program, which connects patients in Fort Frances to medical specialists via videoconferencing without requiring travel.
Do not call the Emergency Department for medical advice — staff are legally unable to provide advice over the phone. Call 811 (Health811) for non-emergency health guidance.
If you are coming from a remote area of the Rainy River District, plan your route in advance, especially in winter when road conditions in Northwestern Ontario can be challenging.
The hospital's main registration has moved to the Front Street entrance — use this entrance for general visits and non-emergency services, and the Emergency entrance only for urgent care.
What to Bring
Valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card or applicable provincial health card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, including dosages
Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging if you have them
Provincial or private insurance information if applicable
Emergency contact information
Comfortable clothing or a change of clothes if a longer stay is possible
Something to read or headphones, as wait times can vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Is La Verendrye General Hospital's emergency department open 24/7?
Yes, the Emergency Department at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
What should I bring when I go to the La Verendrye General Hospital ER?
All patients must register upon arrival. Bring your valid OHIP card or applicable medical insurance, a government-issued photo ID, and a list of your current medications. Emergency patients register at the Emergency entrance.
Does La Verendrye General Hospital offer telehealth services for remote patients?
Yes. Through the Northern Ontario Remote Telecommunication Health (NORTH) Network, the hospital connects patients, family members, and local physicians with medical specialists via videoconferencing — reducing the need for travel to larger centres.
What specialist services are available at La Verendrye General Hospital?
The hospital hosts visiting specialists including oncologists, pediatricians, and geriatricians. Additional specialist access is provided through the NORTH Network telehealth program for a broader range of consultations.
Does La Verendrye General Hospital have a Sexual Assault Care program?
Yes. The Emergency Department includes a Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program, which provides initial emergency care with the patient's informed consent in a supportive and confidential environment.
Who does La Verendrye General Hospital serve, and is it the only hospital in the area?
La Verendrye General Hospital is the primary acute care hub for the Rainy River District in Northwestern Ontario, operated by Riverside Health Care. Riverside Health Care operates a number of additional facilities across the district to meet broader regional healthcare needs.