Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this ER. Generally, community emergency departments tend to be less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. Calling Info-Santé (8-1-1) before visiting can help determine whether an ER visit is truly necessary.
Busier times: No historical data is available to pinpoint peak hours at this facility. As with most ERs, evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher volumes. Given this ER's small capacity of approximately 7 stretchers, any surge in patients can lead to longer waits.
The Centre Cléophas-Claveau (Hôpital de La Baie) is a multi-mission community hospital serving the La Baie sector of Saguenay and surrounding municipalities such as Petit-Saguenay, L'Anse-Saint-Jean, and Rivière-Éternité. Its emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with a functional capacity of approximately 7 stretchers, making it a smaller community-level ER best suited for urgent but non-critical cases. Patients with complex or serious conditions may be transferred to larger regional facilities such as Hôpital de Chicoutimi.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency department, Acute care (Centre Hospitalier), Community health and preventive services (CLSC), Long-term care (CHSLD), Rehabilitation services, Social reintegration services, Primary care and curative services.
Amenities
Paid on-site parking with accessible spaces
Payment terminals at main entrance and ER entrance
Contact the hospital at 418-544-3381 to confirm cafeteria, ATM, pharmacy, or Wi-Fi availability
This is a small community ER with approximately 7 stretchers — for non-urgent issues, consider calling Info-Santé at 8-1-1 or visiting your family medicine group (GMF) first.
Services are primarily offered in French; if you require English-language assistance, call ahead to 418-544-3381 to inquire about availability.
If you have a serious or complex medical condition, be aware that you may be transferred to Hôpital de Chicoutimi, the regional hub for specialized care.
Keep your parking ticket when you arrive — you will need it to pay at the terminal near the ER entrance or main entrance before leaving.
For the most up-to-date information on services and wait times, visit santesaglac.gouv.qc.ca or call the hospital directly at 418-544-3381.
What to Bring
Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence)
Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ card)
List of current medications, including dosages
Provincial health insurance information or private insurance details if applicable
Any relevant medical records, test results, or doctor's referral letters
Emergency contact information for a family member or trusted person
Cash or credit card for parking fees
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer, as wait areas can be cool
Parking
Paid parking lots are available on site. Take a ticket at the entrance barrier and keep it to pay upon exit. Payment terminals are located at the main entrance and at the emergency room entrance, accepting cash or credit card. You can also pay by credit card directly at the exit barrier. Designated accessible parking zones for people with disabilities are available — follow all posted signage. Specific rates are displayed at the entrance.
Getting There
A public bus stop is located directly in front of the hospital. Contact Réseau de transport du Saguenay (RTC Saguenay) for current route numbers and schedules serving this location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Hôpital de La Baie emergency room open overnight and on weekends?
Yes. The emergency department at Centre Cléophas-Claveau (Hôpital de La Baie) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including overnight, weekends, and holidays.
What is the capacity of the La Baie emergency department?
The ER at Hôpital de La Baie has a reported functional capacity of approximately 7 stretchers. Because of this smaller size, patients with complex or critical conditions may be transferred to Hôpital de Chicoutimi for higher-level care.
Does Centre Cléophas-Claveau offer services beyond the emergency room?
Yes. This is a multi-mission facility combining a hospital (CH), community health services (CLSC), and long-term care (CHSLD) under one administration. CLSC services include preventive care, rehabilitation, and social reintegration support.
Which communities does Hôpital de La Baie serve?
The hospital primarily serves the La Baie sector of Saguenay, as well as surrounding municipalities including Petit-Saguenay, L'Anse-Saint-Jean, and Rivière-Éternité.
Is there parking available at Centre Cléophas-Claveau?
Yes, paid parking is available on site. Take a ticket at the entrance barrier and pay at the terminal near the main entrance or the ER entrance using cash or credit card. Accessible parking spaces are also available.
What should I do if my condition is too serious for this ER to handle?
If your condition requires specialized or high-acuity care, medical staff may arrange a transfer to Hôpital de Chicoutimi, the regional referral centre for the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean area. For guidance before heading to the ER, call Info-Santé at 8-1-1.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.