Weeneebayko General Hospital

About Weeneebayko General Hospital

Weeneebayko General Hospital (WGH) is a 37-bed regional hospital on Moose Factory Island serving the James Bay coastal communities of Northern Ontario with 24/7 emergency care, no referral required. The ER provides acute care, mental health services, general surgery, and family medicine to a predominantly Indigenous population, with services available in both English and Cree. Patients requiring advanced or high-acuity care beyond WGH's capacity are transferred by air to Timmins and District Hospital or Kingston General Hospital via the on-site helipad.

Services & Specialties

Amenities

• Cafeteria (lower level) — open 8:00–11:00 a.m., 11:45 a.m.–1:15 p.m., and 2:00–5:30 p.m.
• Vending machines in the cafeteria
• Chapel — open 24 hours to patients, staff, and families
• Inpatient pharmacy (prescriptions for WGH, Fort Albany, and Attawapiskat inpatients)
• Interpreter services — ask your health-care provider to arrange
• Business/finance office on the 3rd floor (accepts cheque, cash, or credit card)
• NIHB Medical Van pickup at the ER entrance
• Local taxi list posted in the lobby
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Smoke-free property

Parking & Transit

On-site parking is available at Weeneebayko General Hospital and the facility is wheelchair accessible. Because Moose Factory is an island community not connected to the provincial road network, conventional parking infrastructure is minimal. Visitors should confirm parking arrangements directly with the hospital at 705-658-4544.

Moose Factory Island has no public transit and is not connected to the provincial road network. Access to the island is by seasonal ferry or winter ice road, with Moosonee — reachable by Ontario Northland train — serving as the nearest rail-accessible community across the river. A list of local taxis is posted in the hospital lobby. NIHB Medical Van pickup is available at the ER entrance for eligible Indigenous patients.

Best Times to Visit

Tips Before You Go

• Access to Moose Factory Island changes seasonally — plan your travel by ferry in summer or via the ice road in winter, and allow extra time if crossing from Moosonee.
• NIHB Medical Van service is available for eligible Indigenous patients and picks up directly at the ER entrance — confirm eligibility before your visit.
• The hospital building has three floors but no elevators; patients with limited mobility should inform staff in advance so arrangements can be made.
• For serious emergencies such as major trauma, cardiac events, or complex surgical needs, be aware that WGH will arrange air or ground transfer south — having your health card and a contact person ready can help speed this process.
• Interpreter services in Cree are available — ask your health-care provider to arrange this at registration if needed.
• The business and finance office is on the 3rd floor; bring government-issued ID and your OHIP card, as most services are OHIP-covered, but non-OHIP patients can pay by cheque, cash, or credit card upon discharge.

What to Bring

• Ontario Health Card (OHIP) or equivalent provincial health coverage
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging from previous visits
• Indigenous status card or NIHB information if applicable
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Warm clothing and supplies for potential wait times, especially in winter
• Payment method (cash, cheque, or credit card) for any non-covered services

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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.