About Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance - Listowel Memorial Hospital
Listowel Memorial Hospital, part of the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance, operates a 24-hour emergency department at 255 Elizabeth St E in Listowel, Ontario, serving residents of North Perth and surrounding rural communities. The hospital is a 39-bed acute and complex continuing care facility with a physician on call at all times, offering walk-in emergency care without a referral. Patients with highly complex or specialized needs may be referred to larger regional centres, making this ER best suited for urgent and acute care needs in a community hospital setting.
Services & Specialties
24-hour Emergency Department (walk-in, no referral required)Acute Medical and Surgical CareComplex Continuing CareObstetrics and Maternal/Newborn UnitDay Surgery and General SurgeryDiagnostic ImagingAnesthesiaLaboratory ServicesPharmacy (in-hospital)Diabetes Care and Nutrition CounsellingPalliative CarePhysiotherapySpeech-Language TherapyAmbulatory CareBreast Health Centre and Ontario Breast Screening ProgramVisiting Specialists: Allergist, Dermatology, Gastroenterology, Internal Medicine, Orthopedics, Pediatrics, Plastic Surgery, Urology, OB/GYN, Oral and Maxillofacial, Dental
Amenities
Free Wi-Fi for patients and visitors — connect to 'LWHA-GUEST'
Cafeteria on the ground floor (Monday–Friday, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm)
In-hospital pharmacy with medication monitoring and drug interaction checks
Gift shop on site
Wheelchair accessible facility
Scent-free environment — visitors asked not to wear scented products
Parking & Transit
Parking lots are located directly across from the Main Entrance. The fee is $2 upon exit, payable by debit, Visa, Mastercard, or coins. A change machine is available beside the Registration desk inside the hospital. The facility is wheelchair accessible.
Listowel is a small rural community with no dedicated public transit routes to the hospital. The hospital is accessible by personal vehicle or taxi via Elizabeth St E, between Wallace Ave N (Hwy 23) and Davidson Ave N. Patients requiring transportation assistance should contact Ontario Health atHome or local community services.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
For non-life-threatening concerns, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be quieter in smaller community ERs. Early mornings and weekday daytime hours are generally less busy than evenings and weekends. If your condition is not an emergency, consider contacting your family doctor or a telehealth service first.
🔴 Busier times
Evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher patient volumes at community emergency departments. Monday mornings can also be busier as patients who delayed care over the weekend seek treatment.
Tips Before You Go
No referral is needed — walk directly into the emergency department any time of day or night.
A physician is on call at all times, but for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain or stroke symptoms, call 911 immediately.
Bring $2 in coins, debit, or a credit card for parking upon exit — a change machine is available near Registration if needed.
The hospital has a strict scent-free policy; avoid wearing perfume, cologne, or scented personal care products out of respect for other patients.
If you require a specialist not available on-site, you may be referred to a larger regional hospital — ask your care team about transfer options if needed.
What to Bring
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, doses, and allergies
Any relevant medical records or referral documents
Provincial drug benefit card or private insurance information
Phone charger or personal entertainment for potential wait times
Comfort items such as a sweater or blanket
Emergency contact information for a family member or caregiver
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Listowel Memorial Hospital's emergency department open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at Listowel Memorial Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays. A physician is on call at all times.
Do I need a referral to visit the ER at Listowel Memorial Hospital?
No referral is required. The emergency department is a walk-in service — simply arrive at the hospital at 255 Elizabeth St E and you will be assessed by a triage nurse upon arrival.
What specialist services are available at Listowel Memorial Hospital?
Listowel Memorial Hospital hosts a range of visiting specialists including allergists, dermatologists, gastroenterologists, orthopedic surgeons, pediatricians, urologists, OB/GYN, plastic surgeons, and more. These are outpatient clinics and are separate from emergency services.
Is Listowel Memorial Hospital able to handle serious emergencies?
The hospital provides acute emergency care with a physician on call around the clock. However, as a community hospital, patients with highly complex trauma or specialized needs may be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional centre. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies.
Does Listowel Memorial Hospital offer obstetrics services?
Yes, the hospital has a Maternal/Newborn Unit with 4 obstetrical beds and offers obstetrics care including visiting OB/GYN specialists. Expectant mothers in the North Perth area are encouraged to speak with their care provider about delivery planning.
What is the history of Listowel Memorial Hospital?
Listowel Memorial Hospital has been serving the North Perth community since 1919. The current site on Elizabeth Street opened on January 23, 1941, after the Scott family donated their home and grounds for the purpose. The hospital joined the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance on July 1, 2003, sharing management with Wingham and District Hospital.
About ER Wait Times
Emergency departments use triage — patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.
Wait times are estimates based on Ontario health data using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.