CENTRE DE SANTÉ ISLE-DIEU

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a general guide, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at rural emergency departments. For non-urgent concerns, consider calling 811 (Info-Santé) first to assess whether an ER visit is necessary.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Emergency departments in remote communities can experience higher pressure during evenings, weekends, and holidays when other health services are closed. If your situation is not life-threatening, calling 811 before visiting can help you determine the best course of action.

About CENTRE DE SANTÉ ISLE-DIEU

Centre de Santé Isle-Dieu is Matagami's full-service health centre offering a 24/7 emergency department serving residents across the vast James Bay territory in Nord-du-Québec. As one of five installations under the CRSSS de la Baie-James — the sole health authority for a 350,000 km² region — this facility provides essential emergency and primary care for a remote, geographically isolated population. Patients requiring highly specialized care such as cardiac surgery or advanced trauma may be stabilized here before transfer to a larger regional centre.

Services & Specialties

Emergency department (urgence) — open 24/7, 365 days a year, Minor surgery, Designated sexual assault victim services (specialized centre), Assistance to elderly victims of abuse, Assistance to crime victims, Anticoagulation therapy and prescription adjustment, Crutch rental at the emergency department, Prenatal classes, Mammography, Cancer screening services, STBBI integrated screening and prevention (SIDEP), STI and sexual health screening, Contraception and emergency oral contraception, Abortion referral (IVG), Vaccination, Glucose testing, End-of-life care, Pivot nurse for cancer and chronic disease management, Free needle distribution (harm reduction), Wheelchair and mobility aid services, Nutritional counselling, Dental hygiene services, Financial assistance and health card authentication (CLSC), CHSLD long-term care unit for non-autonomous elderly residents.

Amenities

• Wheelchair access at the main entrance
• CLSC social and community services on site
• Long-term care (CHSLD) unit on site

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• For non-emergency services such as CLSC appointments, vaccination, or screening, call 819-739-2515 ahead of your visit to confirm availability and scheduling.
• Matagami is a remote community — if you are travelling from a distant James Bay territory community, ensure your vehicle is fuelled and prepared for long-distance driving, especially in winter.
• If you require highly specialized care (e.g., cardiac surgery, complex trauma), be aware that stabilization may occur here before transfer to a larger regional hospital in Abitibi-Témiscamingue or beyond.
• Services at this facility are offered primarily in French. If you require English-language assistance, notify staff upon arrival so they can accommodate you as best as possible.
• Bring all your current medications and your Quebec health card (RAMQ card) — this will significantly speed up your registration and triage process at the emergency department.

What to Bring

• Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ / carte soleil)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of all current medications and dosages
• List of known allergies
• Health insurance or supplemental coverage information if applicable
• Emergency contact information for a family member or friend
• Warm clothing or a blanket, especially during northern Quebec winters
• Snacks and water for potential wait times

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 Quebec health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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