North Bay Regional Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

About North Bay Regional Health Centre

North Bay Regional Health Centre's Emergency Department, located at Level 200 East Entrance on College Drive, provides 24/7 emergency care to residents of North Bay and surrounding communities across the Nipissing District. As the regional referral hospital for northeast Ontario, NBRHC offers access to specialist services including orthopedics, obstetrics, paediatrics, urology, general surgery, and one of Canada's leading specialized mental health centres. No referral is required, most services are covered by OHIP, and the facility is fully wheelchair accessible and designated for French language services.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department (Level 200, East Entrance), Critical Care Unit (16 beds), Orthopedic surgery, Obstetrics and gynaecology, Paediatrics and neonatal intensive care (NICU), General surgery, Urology, Ophthalmology, Ear, nose and throat (ENT), Specialized mental health and forensic psychiatry, Complex Continuing Care (42 beds), Rehabilitation Care Unit (29 beds), French language services designated facility, OHIP-covered services.

Amenities

• The Market Cafeteria (Monday–Friday, Level 100) — soups, salads, subs, wraps, grilled items, rotisserie chicken, and weekly specials
• Two Tim Hortons locations (Level 200 beside Gift Shop; self-serve in Cafeteria Level 100)
• Fresh food vendor (Vicki) near Emergency waiting area
• Pizza Forno fresh pizza vendor on Level 2 (Main Street seating area)
• Vending machines throughout the facility
• North Bay Regional Pharmacy on site
• Gift Shop (Friends of NBRHC) — Level 200 Main East Lobby, next to Tim Hortons
• ATM/bank machines in Main East Lobby and Main West Lobby (service charges apply)
• Guest Wi-Fi throughout the hospital
• Bedside telephone, television, and internet unit in every patient room
• Spiritual Centre on site
• 138-seat Auditorium adjacent to Cafeteria
• Volunteer ambassadors at information booths at each main entrance
• Tobacco-free facility

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 3 walk-in clinics in North Bay →

Pharmacists in Ontario can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• The Emergency Department is located at the Level 200 East Entrance — follow signs from College Drive to avoid confusion with the Main West Entrance.
• A fresh food vendor is located around the corner from the Emergency waiting area, so you can grab a snack without going far if your wait is long.
• Parking costs $7.25 in public lots — bring cash or a card for the pay stations; bank machines are available in both the East and West lobbies if needed.
• NBRHC is the regional referral centre for northeast Ontario, meaning specialist care like orthopedics, paediatrics, and mental health services are available on-site that smaller area hospitals may not offer.
• Volunteer ambassadors at the main entrances can help you navigate the large 750,000 sq ft facility — don't hesitate to ask for directions to the ER or any department.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP) or other provincial health coverage
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, doses, and prescribing physicians
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging from other facilities
• Insurance or benefits card for prescription or semi-private/private room coverage
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for longer waits
• Comfortable clothing and a light jacket (hospital waiting areas can be cool)
• Snacks and water, especially if accompanying a patient for an extended visit

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.