Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, emergency department volumes tend to be lower in the early morning hours (between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m.) on weekdays. Always proceed immediately regardless of time if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Like most emergency departments, SLMHC may experience higher volumes on evenings, weekends, and following community health events. If your condition is not life-threatening, checking real-time wait estimates before visiting can help you plan accordingly.

About Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre

The Emergency Department at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC) provides 24/7 emergency care at 1 Meno Ya Win Way in Sioux Lookout, Ontario, serving a vast catchment area equivalent in size to France across Northwestern Ontario. As the primary acute care hospital for over 28 First Nations communities and approximately 35,000 residents, the ED offers on-site or on-call physician coverage around the clock, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and culturally integrated care that blends modern medicine with traditional First Nations healing practices. Anyone experiencing an acute or life-threatening illness or injury in the Sioux Lookout region — including patients transported by air from remote northern nursing stations — should come directly to this emergency department.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department with on-site or on-call physician coverage, Acute care and trauma treatment, Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program, Diagnostic imaging (X-ray and related imaging), Laboratory services, Pharmacy services, Cardiopulmonary and stress testing, Pulmonary function testing, Telestroke Program, Chemotherapy, Day surgery, Dialysis, Mammography, Mental Health and Addictions Program, Rehabilitation and physiotherapy, Prenatal and maternity care, Centre for Complex Diabetes Care, Traditional Healing, Medicines, Foods and Supports Program, Spiritual support and patient advocacy.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy
• Dietary services
• Spiritual support and advocacy services
• Traditional Healing, Medicines, Foods and Supports Program
• Fully accessible facility
• Patient feedback/client experience survey available online

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• If you are travelling from a remote northern community, confirm air transport arrangements through your local nursing station well in advance of your visit.
• Bring your valid Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) card — most services are covered by OHIP, but you will need to present it or equivalent medical insurance information upon arrival.
• Patient visiting hours are noon to 9:00 p.m. daily; plan family arrivals within this window unless you are a designated care partner for a child, palliative, or maternity patient.
• SLMHC integrates traditional First Nations healing practices with modern medicine — ask a staff member about the Traditional Healing, Medicines, Foods and Supports Program if this is important to your care.
• For non-life-threatening concerns, consider whether your issue might be addressed through the hospital's ambulatory or outpatient programs to avoid unnecessary ER visits during peak hours.

What to Bring

• Valid Ontario Health Card (OHIP) or applicable provincial/territorial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and any known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral documents
• Provincial or territorial health coverage information if from outside Ontario
• Personal comfort items for a potential wait (snacks, water bottle, warm layers)
• Phone charger or portable battery pack
• Emergency contact information and next-of-kin details

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.