HÔPITAL DE CHISASIBI

Location & Access

21 Rue Maamuu, Chisasibi, QC J0M 1E0

Free parking is available on-site at Hôpital de Chisasibi. No paid parking lots or garages are present at this community facility.

There is no public transit service in Chisasibi. Patients must arrange their own transportation. Note that 911 is not available in the territory — for medical emergencies, contact local first responders at 819-855-2911. If medevac is required, patients are transported by land ambulance to LaGrande Airport, approximately one hour from the hospital.

About HÔPITAL DE CHISASIBI

Hôpital de Chisasibi, located at 21 Rue Maamuu in Chisasibi, QC, is the regional hospital serving the communities of Eeyou Istchee in northern Quebec, providing 24/7 emergency care along with primary and secondary health services. As a 29-bed facility with acute, chronic, and respite care capacity, it is the primary hospital for the largest Cree community on James Bay and the broader Cree traditional territory. Through its partnership with RUIS McGill, the hospital offers specialist services via visiting physicians and telemedicine, making it the most comprehensive care site for residents of this remote region who require more than what local nursing stations can provide.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute care (17 beds, including 5 pediatric), Chronic care (9 beds), Respite care (3 beds), Hemodialysis (9 stations, with partial pre-dialysis program), Medical imaging: X-ray radiography, Obstetrical ultrasound, On-site laboratory (urgent after-hours available), Pharmacy services, Physiotherapy, Nutrition/dietitian services, Dental clinic (cleanings, fillings, extractions, root canals, crowns, dentures, orthodontics), Telemedicine services, Obstetrics (visiting specialists and telemedicine via RUIS McGill), Surgery (visiting specialists), Paediatrics (visiting specialists), Orthopedics (visiting specialists), Internal medicine (visiting specialists), Ophthalmology (visiting specialists), Otolaryngology (visiting specialists), Psychiatry (visiting specialists), Infection Prevention and Control program, Awash maternal and child wellness program, Patient travel coordination (Wiichihiituwin / Cree Patient Services), McGill University Family Medicine teaching site.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy (professional pharmacists, covers inpatients and outpatients)
• Dental clinic
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Waiting room
• Services available in French, English, and Cree
• Telemedicine infrastructure
• Free on-site parking

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. As a smaller northern hospital, early mornings on weekdays are generally less busy. For non-urgent concerns, consider calling 811 first to speak with a nurse before making the trip.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is available. As with most emergency departments, evenings and weekends may see higher volumes. If your situation is not a medical emergency, calling 811 (Info-Santé) in advance can help you determine whether an ER visit is necessary.

Tips Before You Go

• For medical emergencies in Chisasibi, do not call 911 — it is not available in the territory. Call local first responders at 819-855-2911.
• If you are travelling from another Cree community, your village nurse can arrange a transfer by scheduled flight or medevac after obtaining authorization from a doctor — contact your local nursing station first.
• If you have a non-urgent health question before heading to the ER, call 811 (Info-Santé), available free 24/7 in English, French, and Cree across Quebec.
• Be aware that Rogers and Fido cellular networks do not function in Chisasibi. Bell, Telus, and Koodo have reliable reception, so plan accordingly for communication.
• Patients who require specialist care outside the region can access travel coordination through Wiichihiituwin / Cree Patient Services, which arranges medical visits to Val-d'Or, Montreal, and Amos.

What to Bring

• Quebec health insurance card (RAMQ card) or applicable Cree health coverage documentation
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Health card or benefits information for prescription coverage
• Warm clothing — Chisasibi is a northern community and weather can be severe
• A charged phone (ensure you are on Bell, Telus, or Koodo network for local service)
• A support person or interpreter if needed, as services are available in French, English, and Cree

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.