Weeneebayko Area Health Authority - Attawapiskat

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. For non-life-threatening concerns, mid-morning on weekdays may offer shorter waits when the walk-in clinic is also operational. Life-threatening emergencies should proceed to the ER immediately at any hour.

Busier times: No historical wait data is available. As with most small community ERs, evenings and weekends may see increased demand. If your concern is urgent but not immediately life-threatening, calling ahead at 705-997-2150 can help you plan your visit.

About Weeneebayko Area Health Authority - Attawapiskat

Attawapiskat Hospital, operated by Weeneebayko Area Health Authority (WAHA), is a 15-bed acute care facility located in Attawapiskat, ON, serving the remote James Bay coast community and surrounding area. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, staffed by registered nurses and consulting physicians, providing walk-in emergency and urgent care with no referral required. As the primary hospital for Attawapiskat First Nation, the facility delivers culturally appropriate care in both English and Cree, with services covered by OHIP, and transfers patients requiring advanced care to Weeneebayko General Hospital in Moose Factory, Timmins and District Hospital, or Kingston General Hospital.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department (walk-in, no referral required), Inpatient care (15 beds), Walk-in clinic (Monday–Friday, 9:30 am–5:30 pm), Onsite laboratory and specimen collection (Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm), Long-term care (basic, semi-private, and private accommodations), Ambulatory care, Diabetes education, Mental health services, Rehabilitative and occupational therapy, Traditional healing services, Paramedicine, Family medicine, Cree language health services, Telehealth Ontario access, Medical transfer coordination to tertiary centres.

Amenities

• Services available in English and Cree
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Traditional healing support
• Mental health and health education services
• Telehealth Ontario (24/7, 1-866-797-0000)
• Onsite laboratory

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Call ahead at 705-997-2150 before travelling to the hospital to confirm service availability, especially if you are visiting from outside the community.
• If you require care beyond what Attawapiskat Hospital can provide, be prepared for a medical transfer by air — Attawapiskat is only accessible by air during spring through fall months and by winter road.
• OHIP covers most emergency and inpatient services; bring your health card and any relevant insurance documents.
• Cree language services are available at this facility — patients and families who prefer to communicate in Cree can request this support.
• For non-emergency health questions at any hour, contact Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 for free telephone health advice from a registered nurse.

What to Bring

• Ontario Health Card (OHIP card) or other provincial health coverage
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing physicians
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or specialist letters
• Emergency contact information for a family member or support person
• Personal comfort items if a longer stay or transfer is possible
• Warm clothing and supplies, particularly in winter given the remote location and potential transfer travel
• Any traditional medicines or health items relevant to your care, to discuss with staff

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.