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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
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
Is Matthews Memorial Hospital emergency department open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at Matthews Memorial Hospital in Richards Landing is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with general practitioners available on call and nurse practitioner support.
What is the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) and how does it relate to this hospital?
Matthews Memorial Hospital joined the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) on June 15, 2016, when it integrated with Thessalon and Blind River District Health Centre. NSHN oversees health services across the North Shore region of Ontario. You can learn more at nshn.care.
Can I see a specialist at Matthews Memorial Hospital without travelling off St. Joseph Island?
Yes. The hospital is equipped with Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) technology, which allows patients to have video consultations with specialists remotely. This service helps residents of St. Joseph Island access specialized medical care without the need to travel to larger centres.
Is Matthews Memorial Hospital accessible for patients with disabilities?
The facility is only partially accessible. The front entrance has an automatic door button for easy entry, but parking is street-only with no designated handicap spaces, and the washrooms are not fully accessible. Patients with specific accessibility needs are encouraged to call 705-246-2570 in advance.
What happens if my condition requires care beyond what Matthews Memorial Hospital can provide?
For complex emergencies or conditions requiring specialized units such as trauma, cardiac, or stroke care, patients may be stabilized at Matthews Memorial Hospital and then transferred to a larger regional facility, most commonly Sault Area Hospital in Sault Ste. Marie.
How long has Matthews Memorial Hospital been serving the St. Joseph Island community?
Matthews Memorial Hospital has a long history on St. Joseph Island. It was originally founded in 1925, and after a fire destroyed the original building in 1929, Mrs. M. Matthews donated funds to build a new hospital in memory of her late husband. The rebuilt hospital officially opened in 1930 and has served the community ever since.