Matthews Memorial Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, rural emergency departments tend to be less congested during mid-morning on weekdays. For non-urgent concerns, calling ahead at 705-246-2570 may help you gauge current busyness.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As with most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see increased patient volumes. If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, consider calling 705-246-2570 or using Telehealth Ontario (1-866-797-0000) before visiting.

About Matthews Memorial Hospital

Matthews Memorial Hospital in Richards Landing, Ontario is a small rural community hospital serving St. Joseph Island and the surrounding North Shore region, operating as part of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN). The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, staffed by general practitioners on call and a nurse practitioner, with two observation beds for patient assessment and stabilization. Patients with complex or highly specialized needs may require transfer to a larger regional facility such as Sault Area Hospital, but Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) services help connect local patients with specialists remotely.

Services & Specialties

24/7 emergency and acute care, Two 24-hour observation beds for assessment and stabilization, General practitioner on-call coverage, Nurse practitioner services, Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) specialist video consultations, Outpatient laboratory services, Outpatient medical imaging services.

Amenities

• Contact the hospital directly at 705-246-2570 to confirm available on-site amenities
• Accessible entrance with automatic door button
• OTN telemedicine equipment for remote specialist consultations

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Call ahead at 705-246-2570 to confirm service availability before visiting, especially for non-emergency concerns — this is a small rural facility and confirming in advance can save you time.
• If you require specialist care, ask about Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) services, which allow remote video consultations with specialists without needing to travel off St. Joseph Island.
• Parking is street-only with no designated accessible spaces — if you have mobility challenges, arrange for drop-off assistance at the accessible front entrance.
• Patients with complex, high-acuity, or specialized needs (trauma, cardiac, stroke, pediatric) may be stabilized here and transferred to Sault Area Hospital — be prepared for the possibility of transport.
• The hospital washrooms are not fully accessible; patients with specific accessibility requirements should contact the hospital in advance to discuss accommodations.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of all current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral documents
• Emergency contact information for a family member or friend
• Personal comfort items such as a phone charger, snacks, and water
• Cash or debit/credit card for any incidental expenses
• Warm clothing or a blanket, especially during colder months

Frequently Asked Questions

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. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.