Quieter times: No historical wait-time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, early weekday mornings tend to be quieter at rural community emergency departments. If your condition is not life-threatening, mid-morning on a weekday is typically a better time to visit than evenings or weekends.
Busier times: Weekend evenings and holiday periods — particularly during summer when the catchment population can increase to 40,000 due to seasonal residents and tourists visiting Algonquin Park and Kamaniskeg Lake — are likely to see higher ER volumes. Avoid peak tourist season if your condition is non-urgent.
St. Francis Memorial Hospital is a 20-bed community hospital in Barry's Bay, Ontario, serving a geographic area of approximately 1,800 sq. km across Renfrew County, South Algonquin Township, and the Algonquin Park corridor. The 24/7 emergency department provides assessment and treatment for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening conditions, supported by diagnostic imaging and laboratory services through the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association. As the closest full-service hospital for a population that swells from 10,000 to 40,000 seasonally, SFMH is the primary point of emergency care for residents and visitors in this rural region of Eastern Ontario.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, In-patient care, Diagnostic imaging, Laboratory services (EORLA network), Out-patient care, Specialized clinics, Ontario Breast Screening Program (OBSP), Ambulatory care.
Amenities
Gift Shop (operated by the St. Francis Memorial Hospital Auxiliary)
If you are travelling through Algonquin Park or along the Hwy 60 corridor and require emergency care, St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry's Bay is your closest option — plan your route in advance.
Patients requiring advanced cardiac, trauma, stroke, or tertiary care will likely be transferred to regional centres in Pembroke (85 km), Renfrew (95 km), Ottawa (200 km), or Peterborough (175 km) — understanding this in advance can help you prepare.
Seasonal population surges between spring and fall can increase ER volumes significantly; if your condition is non-urgent, consider calling 613-756-3044 first to understand current wait times.
A new, state-of-the-art Emergency Department redevelopment is underway at SFMH — construction activity near the facility is possible, so allow extra time when arriving and follow on-site signage.
Call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, severe trauma, or difficulty breathing — do not attempt to drive yourself.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (Ontario OHIP card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or test results
Emergency contact information
Method of payment for any applicable fees or prescriptions
Warm clothing or a blanket — wait times can vary and the facility is in a cooler rural region
Snacks and water for non-critical patients who may wait before being seen
Parking
On-site surface parking is available at the hospital. Given the rural community setting, parking is expected to be free of charge, but visitors should contact the hospital directly at 613-756-3044 to confirm current parking details and accessibility options.
Getting There
No public transit service operates to St. Francis Memorial Hospital. Barry's Bay is a rural community, and the hospital itself recognizes the lack of public transportation as a key consideration for its patients. Visitors are expected to arrive by personal vehicle or pre-arranged transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Francis Memorial Hospital have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes, the Emergency Department at St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry's Bay is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
What happens if I need advanced cardiac, stroke, or trauma care at SFMH?
As a 20-bed community hospital, SFMH stabilizes patients and coordinates transfers to larger regional centres for advanced specialty care. The nearest secondary hospitals are in Pembroke (85 km) and Renfrew (95 km), with tertiary services available in Ottawa (200 km) and Peterborough (175 km).
Is St. Francis Memorial Hospital the closest ER if I'm travelling through Algonquin Park?
Yes. SFMH serves the Hwy 60 main corridor through Algonquin Park and is the primary emergency facility for travellers and residents in this large rural area. The hospital covers approximately 1,800 sq. km of Eastern Ontario.
Does SFMH offer diagnostic imaging and lab services in the ER?
Yes. St. Francis Memorial Hospital has a diagnostic imaging clinic and is a member of the Eastern Ontario Regional Laboratory Association (EORLA), a network of 16 hospitals performing over 12 million tests annually, ensuring standardized laboratory services are available locally.
Is there public transit to St. Francis Memorial Hospital in Barry's Bay?
No. Barry's Bay is a rural community with no formal public transit service. The hospital acknowledges that lack of public transportation is a significant consideration for its patients. Plan to arrive by personal vehicle or pre-arranged transportation.
Is parking available at St. Francis Memorial Hospital?
On-site parking is available at the hospital. Given its rural community setting, parking is expected to be free, but it is recommended to contact the hospital directly at 613-756-3044 to confirm parking and accessibility details, especially during any active redevelopment construction.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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