Patients requiring higher-level or specialty care are referred within the Weeneebayko Area Health Authority network, with the nearest regional hospital being Weeneebayko General Hospital in Moose Factory, Ontario.
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 careDiabetes educationMental health servicesRehabilitative and occupational therapyTraditional healing servicesParamedicineFamily medicineCree language health servicesTelehealth Ontario accessMedical 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
Parking & Transit
No detailed parking information is publicly documented for Attawapiskat Hospital. As a small community facility, on-site surface parking is typical. Call ahead at 705-997-2150 to confirm accessible parking availability.
Attawapiskat is a remote First Nations community accessible only by air during spring through fall, and by winter road seasonally. There is no conventional public transit. Access to the hospital is by local travel within the community.
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.
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
Does Attawapiskat Hospital have a 24-hour emergency department?
Yes. The emergency department at Attawapiskat Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, staffed by registered nurses and consulting physicians. No referral is required to be seen.
What languages are available at Attawapiskat Hospital?
Services are available in both English and Cree, reflecting the predominantly Cree population of Attawapiskat First Nation and surrounding communities.
What happens if I need care that Attawapiskat Hospital cannot provide?
Patients requiring advanced or specialty care are transferred to Weeneebayko General Hospital in Moose Factory, Timmins and District Hospital, or Kingston General Hospital. Because Attawapiskat is accessible only by air during spring through fall and by winter road, medical transfers typically involve air transport.
Is there a walk-in clinic at Attawapiskat Hospital separate from the ER?
Yes. A walk-in clinic operates at the same address — 972 Riverside East — with administration hours Monday through Friday, 9:30 am to 5:30 pm. For after-hours urgent concerns, the emergency department is available around the clock.
Does Attawapiskat Hospital offer traditional healing services?
Yes. WAHA is committed to culturally appropriate, holistic healthcare and incorporates traditional healing services alongside western medical care, respecting the strong cultural connection of Cree patients to their land and traditions.
Is Attawapiskat Hospital wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the facility is wheelchair accessible. For specific questions about accessible parking or accommodations, it is recommended to call the hospital directly at 705-997-2150 before your visit.
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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.