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Riverside Health Complex in Turtleford, Saskatchewan is a 24/7 integrated rural health facility operated by the Saskatchewan Health Authority, providing emergency care, acute care, and a full range of community health services to residents of Turtleford, St. Walburg, Edam, Glaslyn, Turtle Lake, and surrounding communities including Thunderchild First Nation. The facility offers 9 acute care beds, a medical clinic, laboratory and X-ray services, and on-site continuing care, making it the primary point of emergency and comprehensive health services for a large area of northwestern Saskatchewan. Patients with complex or time-sensitive conditions such as cardiac events, stroke, major trauma, or surgical needs should expect to be stabilized here and transferred to a larger regional centre, with rapid transport supported by an on-site STARS Air Ambulance landing and refuelling pad.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Acute care (9 beds), Medical clinic (4 physicians, 2 nurse practitioners), Laboratory services, X-ray / diagnostic imaging, Continuing care (20 resident beds, 2 respite rooms), Palliative care, Home care, Public health, Physiotherapy and rehabilitation, Mental health and addictions counselling (visiting), Dietitian services (visiting), Family and youth counselling (visiting), Chronic disease management, STARS Air Ambulance landing and refuelling site.
Amenities
On-site STARS Air Ambulance landing and refuelling pad
Laboratory services
X-ray services
Contact facility at (306) 845-2195 to confirm cafeteria, ATM, pharmacy, or Wi-Fi availability
If you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe trauma, call 911 — West Med Paramedics serve the area and the on-site STARS Air Ambulance pad enables rapid air transport to larger centres if needed.
Riverside Health Complex serves a very large rural catchment area. If your condition is non-urgent, consider calling the facility's medical clinic at (306) 845-2195 first to determine whether a clinic appointment is more appropriate than an ER visit.
As a rural facility, patients with specialized needs such as cardiac intervention, stroke care, major surgery, or pediatric intensive care will be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional hospital — plan for this possibility if your condition is complex.
The ER does not operate on an appointment basis and does not see patients in order of arrival — triage nurses prioritize care by medical urgency, so be prepared for a wait if your condition is less critical.
Visiting specialists such as dietitians, mental health counsellors, and addiction workers serve this facility on a scheduled basis — call the complex to inquire about upcoming visiting clinics if you need these services and want to avoid an ER visit.
What to Bring
Saskatchewan Health Card (provincial health card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Provincial health coverage or supplemental insurance information
Emergency contact name and phone number
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Cash or debit card for any incidental expenses (ATM availability not confirmed on-site)
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Riverside Health Complex in Turtleford have a 24-hour emergency department?
Yes, the emergency department at Riverside Health Complex is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, providing around-the-clock emergency care to residents of Turtleford and the surrounding region.
What communities does Riverside Health Complex serve?
Riverside Health Complex serves a large area of northwestern Saskatchewan including Turtleford, St. Walburg, Edam, Glaslyn, Turtle Lake, Bright Sand Lake, and Thunderchild First Nation. The medical practice includes 4 physicians and 2 nurse practitioners serving this region.
Is there a STARS Air Ambulance pad at Riverside Health Complex?
Yes. Located on the Riverside Health Complex property is a landing and refuelling site for STARS Air Ambulance, based in Saskatoon. This allows critically ill or injured patients to be rapidly transported by air to larger medical centres when necessary.
What happens when I arrive at the Riverside Health Complex emergency department?
When you arrive at the ER, a triage nurse will assess your condition and assign a priority level based on medical urgency — not order of arrival. Those with the most serious or life-threatening conditions are seen first. You cannot make an appointment in the emergency department.
Does Riverside Health Complex offer services beyond emergency care?
Yes. Riverside Health Complex is an integrated facility offering a medical clinic, 9 acute care beds, laboratory and X-ray services, physiotherapy, home care, public health, continuing care for 20 residents, palliative care, and visiting specialists including dietitians, mental health and addiction counsellors, and family support workers.
How do I get to Riverside Health Complex without a car?
No conventional public transit operates in Turtleford. Residents with disabilities may be eligible for the Turtleford Handi Van, a local transit assistance service managed by the Handi Van Committee and supported by the Town of Turtleford and the RM of Mervin. In a medical emergency, call 911 — West Med Paramedics serve the area with 3 ambulances and 22 paramedics based out of nearby St. Walburg.