St. Francis Memorial Hospital

Best Times to Visit

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.

About St. Francis Memorial Hospital

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)
• On-site parking

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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

Tips Before You Go

• 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

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.