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Lady Dunn Health Centre is Wawa's only hospital, serving a remote catchment area of over 4,300 people across communities including Dubreuilville, Michipicoten First Nation, and White River in Northern Ontario. The 24/7 emergency department is staffed by registered nurses and an on-call physician, supported by a full medical laboratory and diagnostic services. This is a rural community facility best suited for urgent and emergent care; patients requiring advanced specialty care may be transferred to Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, approximately 2.5 hours away.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department with RN and on-call physician, Full-service on-site medical laboratory, Diagnostic and therapeutic imaging services, Surgical program, Telehealth specialist consultations via video conferencing, Nurse Practitioner program, Acute inpatient care (10 acute care beds), Long-term care (18-bed facility including 2 respite beds), North Algoma Counselling Service, North Algoma Diabetes Education Program, Outreach nursing clinics (Dubreuilville and Missanabie), Wawa Family Health Team (on-site, separate entity), Paramedic Services of Algoma (on-site).
Amenities
Free on-site parking (upper and lower lots)
Full accessibility for patients with mobility needs
Services available in English and French
Telehealth videoconferencing equipment for specialist access
Always bring your valid OHIP card — it is required for most services covered under provincial health insurance.
Walk-in emergencies are accepted without an appointment, but most non-emergency services require a medical referral.
For specialist consultations, ask about Telehealth services — video-based appointments can reduce the need to travel to Sault Ste. Marie.
If you are coming from Dubreuilville, Missanabie, or White River, note that LDHC also runs outreach nursing clinics in some communities; check if a local visit is available for non-urgent needs.
For life-threatening emergencies involving complex cardiac, stroke, or trauma care, be prepared that a transfer to Sault Area Hospital (~2.5 hours away) may be necessary — communicating your full medical history to staff speeds this process.
What to Bring
Valid OHIP card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications and dosages
Any relevant medical records or recent test results
Health card or insurance information for out-of-province visitors
Emergency contact name and phone number
Personal comfort items if a wait is expected (water bottle, snack, phone charger)
Any medical devices you regularly use (e.g., CPAP, hearing aids)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lady Dunn Health Centre have a 24-hour emergency department?
Yes, the emergency department at Lady Dunn Health Centre in Wawa is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It is staffed by a registered nurse at all times and an on-call physician.
What happens if I need specialist care that isn't available in Wawa?
Lady Dunn Health Centre offers Telehealth services that connect patients with specialists via video conferencing, reducing the need to travel for some consultations. For advanced care requiring in-person specialist intervention — such as complex surgery, cardiac procedures, or stroke treatment — patients may be transferred to Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie, roughly 2.5 hours away.
Is parking free at Lady Dunn Health Centre?
Yes, parking is free for visitors. There are upper and lower level parking lots on site, and the facility is fully accessible for patients with mobility needs.
Does Lady Dunn Health Centre serve patients from surrounding communities like Dubreuilville or White River?
Yes. Lady Dunn Health Centre serves a catchment area of over 4,300 people including the communities of Dubreuilville, Hawk Junction, Michipicoten First Nation, Missanabie, and White River. The centre also runs outreach nursing clinics in Dubreuilville and Missanabie.
Are services at Lady Dunn Health Centre covered by OHIP?
Most services at Lady Dunn Health Centre are covered by OHIP. You must bring a valid OHIP card to your visit. Services are available in both English and French.
How many emergency visits does Lady Dunn Health Centre see each year?
The emergency department at Lady Dunn Health Centre handles over 6,000 patient visits annually. Patients are assessed by a nurse upon arrival and treated based on the urgency of their condition.