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Lions Head Hospital is a 4-bed rural community hospital located at 22 Moore St in Lion's Head, Ontario, offering a 24-hour emergency department with walk-in access — no referral required. Part of the Brightshores Health System, this accredited facility serves the Bruce Peninsula's permanent residents and a large seasonal tourist population, providing acute medical care, laboratory services, X-ray imaging, and outpatient services. Patients with complex needs such as cardiac, stroke, trauma, or advanced imaging (MRI/CT) can expect transfer to the Owen Sound Hospital site for higher-level care.
Services & Specialties
Emergency Department (24/7, walk-in, no referral required), Acute Inpatient Medical Care, Ambulatory Care / Family Practice Outpatient Clinic (referral required), Laboratory Services, Medical Imaging — General Radiography (X-ray), Physiotherapy (inpatient and outpatient), Phlebotomy, Mental Health Counselling (via Peninsula Family Health Team), Well Baby Care (via Peninsula Family Health Team), Diabetes Education (via Peninsula Family Health Team), Geriatric Care (via Peninsula Family Health Team), Spiritual Care / Chaplaincy Services, On-call Spiritual Care.
Amenities
Quiet room available for prayer, meditation, or reflection
Spiritual Care Providers (multi-faith, ask your nurse to request)
Walk directly into the Emergency Department — no referral or appointment is needed for urgent care.
If you require advanced imaging such as MRI or CT, be prepared that you may be referred or transferred to Owen Sound Hospital, which is the larger Brightshores regional site.
During summer months, the Bruce Peninsula sees a significant surge in tourists — expect higher-than-usual ER volumes from late spring through Labour Day weekend.
Most services at Lions Head Hospital are covered by OHIP. Bring your Ontario health card to avoid potential billing delays.
If you are discharged and need transportation home, arrange this in advance — patients are responsible for their own transport after discharge unless being transferred directly to another hospital.
What to Bring
Ontario health card (OHIP) or other provincial health coverage
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
List of known allergies (medications, foods, environmental)
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Personal health insurance information (if applicable, for non-OHIP covered items)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Comfort items such as a book, snacks, or a sweater
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lions Head Hospital Emergency Department open 24/7?
Yes. The Emergency Department at Lions Head Hospital operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and all public holidays. No appointment or referral is required to be seen.
What hospital is Lions Head Hospital part of?
Lions Head Hospital is part of the Brightshores Health System, a multi-site regional health organization serving the Grey-Bruce area of Ontario. The network includes six hospital sites, with Owen Sound Hospital serving as the larger regional centre for advanced and specialized care.
Does Lions Head Hospital have CT or MRI imaging?
No. Lions Head Hospital provides general radiography (X-ray) and laboratory services on-site. For advanced imaging such as MRI or CT scans, patients are referred to or transferred to Owen Sound Hospital, the main Brightshores regional site.
Is parking free at Lions Head Hospital?
Yes. Parking is completely free at Lions Head Hospital at both the front and rear of the building. This is unlike several other Brightshores hospital locations where parking fees apply after 30 minutes. Accessible parking spaces are available.
What services does the Peninsula Family Health Team offer at Lion's Head?
The Peninsula Family Health Team, which supports the Lion's Head and Tobermory communities, provides a range of primary care services including clinic practice, mental health counselling, well baby care, diabetes education, and geriatric care. These services are separate from the Emergency Department and typically require a referral or appointment.
Can visitors and tourists use the Lions Head Hospital ER?
Yes. The Emergency Department is open to anyone requiring urgent medical care, including the many seasonal visitors and tourists who travel to the Bruce Peninsula each year. Bring your provincial health card if you have one, and any relevant out-of-province or travel insurance information if applicable.