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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
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
Does Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre offer traditional Indigenous healing alongside emergency care?
Yes. SLMHC operates a Traditional Healing, Medicines, Foods and Supports Program (THMFS) that provides an integrated model of First Nations hospital-based care. Patients and families can choose to integrate traditional and modern medicines and practices as part of their care journey, including during and after an emergency department visit.
How do patients from remote northern communities reach SLMHC's Emergency Department?
SLMHC serves 28 First Nations communities across a vast service area in Northwestern Ontario. Many patients from remote communities are transported by air from local nursing stations to Sioux Lookout. Between 60 and 65 percent of the hospital's workload originates from northern communities, and air transport arrangements are typically coordinated through local nursing stations.
Is the Emergency Department at SLMHC covered by OHIP?
Most emergency and hospital services at SLMHC are covered by OHIP. You are required to present a valid Ontario Health Insurance (OHIP) card upon arrival. If you are from another province, territory, or country, bring your applicable health insurance information. Contact 807-737-3030 if you have questions about coverage before your visit.
What is the Telestroke Program at Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre?
The Telestroke Program at SLMHC enables the hospital to provide stroke assessment and treatment guidance remotely, connecting patients in Sioux Lookout and the surrounding region with stroke specialists. This is a critical service given the hospital's remote location and the limited access to urban specialist centres across Northwestern Ontario.
Where is SLMHC's Emergency Department located and is there accessible parking?
The Emergency Department is located at 1 Meno Ya Win Way, at the northwest corner of Sioux Lookout near the intersection of Meno Ya Win Way and 7th Avenue. The facility is fully accessible. Parking is available on-site through a gated system managed by Precise ParkLink, with a 15-minute grace period for drop-offs and pickups.
Does SLMHC have a Sexual Assault care program in its Emergency Department?
Yes. The Emergency Department includes a Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program, providing specialized assessment and treatment for patients who have experienced sexual assault or partner abuse. This service is available as part of the 24/7 emergency care offered at the hospital.