the West Nipissing General Hospital

About the West Nipissing General Hospital

West Nipissing General Hospital (WNGH) in Sturgeon Falls, Ontario operates a 24/7 Emergency Department serving residents of the West Nipissing area, including the Nipissing and Parry Sound Districts. The bilingual (English/French) facility offers acute care supported by Virtual Critical Care (VCC) technology, on-site diagnostic imaging including CT, and established referral pathways to North Bay Regional Health Centre and Health Sciences North in Sudbury for higher-level care. As the primary hospital for this rural Northern Ontario community, WNGH is the appropriate destination for urgent medical needs, injuries, and severe illness requiring immediate assessment.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department with Virtual Critical Care (VCC), CT scanner, X-ray, and ultrasound, Mammography and OBSP breast screening, Endoscopy, On-site laboratory (pathology referred to North Bay), Cardiology specialist clinic, Nephrology specialist clinic, Otolaryngology (ENT) specialist clinic, Psychiatry clinic, Sleep clinic, Satellite oncology and chemotherapy (via Health Sciences North Regional Cancer Program), Cardiac rehabilitation, Respiratory therapy, Physiotherapy, Mental health and substance abuse services (Alliance Centre), Crisis Intervention Program (4–11 pm, 365 days/year), Palliative care and hospice suite, Ontario Telemedicine Network (OTN) specialist consultations, PACS digital diagnostic imaging transmission, On-site pharmacy, Acute care, complex continuing care, and long-term care.

Amenities

• Cafeteria open Monday–Friday, 11:15 a.m.–1:00 p.m. (closed weekends and statutory holidays) — beverages, sandwiches, hot meals, and baked goods
• Butterfly Café vending area open 24/7, 365 days/year — salads, soups, sandwiches, desserts, and freshly prepared cafeteria meals
• On-site pharmacy with full-time pharmacist and certified pharmacy technicians
• Fully accessible facility
• Patient visiting hours: 8:00 a.m.–8:00 p.m., seven days a week
• Patient Relations Officer available (ext. 243 or feedback@wngh.ca)
• Secure online diagnostic imaging records access via pocket.health/NIPISSING

Other Care Options

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

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

• WNGH is a bilingual hospital — staff can serve you in both English and French, so don't hesitate to ask for service in your preferred language.
• The Butterfly Café vending area is open 24/7 if you need food or drinks while waiting, especially outside cafeteria hours (cafeteria is weekdays 11:15 a.m.–1:00 p.m. only).
• Bring exact change or coins for parking — the exit machines do not accept debit, credit, or bills. The gate will provide change if needed.
• If you require complex trauma, advanced cardiac intervention, or specialized surgical care, WNGH will coordinate a transfer to North Bay Regional Health Centre or Health Sciences North in Sudbury — be prepared for possible transport.
• Mental health support is available through the Alliance Centre and a Crisis Intervention Program (open 4–11 p.m. daily) — these services are free and confidential for West Nipissing residents aged 16 and older.

What to Bring

• Ontario health card (OHIP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Provincial drug benefit card or private insurance information
• Coins for parking (exact change preferred; debit and credit not accepted at exit machines)
• A book, phone charger, or other entertainment in case of a wait

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.