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Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre is the only hospital in Thunder Bay and the sole tertiary care provider for all of Northwestern Ontario, serving more than 245,000 people across a region the size of France. The Emergency Department operates 24/7 and is one of the busiest in Canada, receiving over 106,000 visits annually, offering full diagnostic and treatment services for acute and life-threatening conditions. As an academic health sciences centre affiliated with the Northern Ontario School of Medicine and Lakehead University, TBRHSC provides specialized services including Psychiatric Emergency Services, a Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program, and a 24/7 Code STEMI cardiac program.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Psychiatric Emergency Services, Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program (Victim Treatment Centre), Code STEMI cardiac program with 24/7 interventional cardiology, Stroke Program, Regional Cancer Care with linear accelerators, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Trauma rooms with advanced articulating arm technology, Maternity Centre, Centre for Complex Diabetes Care, Mental Health Programs, Cardiovascular Sciences (new surgical wing opening 2027), Medical imaging: MRI, CT with remote specialist access, Specialty Pharmacy, Child Life Therapy.
Amenities
On-site cafeteria and Nutrition & Food Services
Specialty Pharmacy with Ontario Trillium Drug Plan application kits
Free hospital-wide Wi-Fi and hard-wired connectivity
Advanced diagnostic imaging picture archival system (MRI, CT) with remote specialist access
Ground-level helipad along Ron Saddington Way
Air-conditioned facility with negative pressure rooms for communicable disease patients
Three-story atrium and award-winning architectural design on a 70-acre landscaped site
The ED entrance is on the south side of the building — look for dedicated metered parking right outside those doors rather than searching the main lot.
Patients are triaged by severity of condition, not by arrival order. If your symptoms worsen while waiting, immediately inform a nurse at the desk so you can be reassessed.
The ED does not fill prescriptions or provide a first dose of medication — bring any required medications with you, or plan to use one of Thunder Bay's 24-hour pharmacies after your visit.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a suspected heart attack, this hospital's Code STEMI program connects Superior North EMS paramedics directly with an interventional cardiologist 24/7, so calling 911 may result in faster treatment than driving yourself.
As the only hospital in Thunder Bay and the region's sole tertiary care provider, this ED can be extremely busy. For non-emergency concerns, consider whether a walk-in clinic in Thunder Bay might be more appropriate for your needs.
What to Bring
Ontario Health Card (OHIP card) or other provincial health insurance card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical history documents or previous test results
Personal medications you currently take (enough for your stay)
Phone charger and entertainment for potential wait times
A trusted family member or friend who can speak on your behalf if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre the only hospital in Thunder Bay?
Yes. TBRHSC is the only hospital in Thunder Bay and the only tertiary care provider in all of Northwestern Ontario, serving a population of over 245,000 people across a region roughly the size of France.
Does the Thunder Bay Regional ER offer mental health and psychiatric services?
Yes. The Emergency Department includes dedicated Psychiatric Emergency Services, with assessments conducted by nurse managers, psychiatrists, and medical residents. Mental health is one of the hospital's core regional programs.
What should I do if I or someone I know has been sexually assaulted?
TBRHSC's Emergency Department houses the Sexual Assault and Partner Abuse Care Program, which provides initial emergency care and follow-up services through the on-site Victim Treatment Centre. You can come directly to the ED for confidential care.
Can paramedics take me directly to the cath lab if I'm having a heart attack?
TBRHSC's Code STEMI program allows Superior North EMS paramedics to transmit ECG results directly to an interventional cardiologist at the hospital 24/7. This means a STEMI diagnosis can be confirmed before you even arrive, enabling faster life-saving treatment upon arrival.
Will the Emergency Department give me a prescription or my first dose of medication?
No. The TBRHSC Emergency Department does not fill prescriptions or dispense a first dose of medication. After your visit, you will need to visit one of Thunder Bay's 24-hour pharmacies to fill any prescription provided by the ED physician.
Is there a helipad at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre?
Yes. The hospital has a ground-level helipad located along Ron Saddington Way, close to the building. Its ground-level design means patients transported by air ambulance do not require a secondary ambulance transfer to reach the hospital.