No other hospitals within 100 km. If non-urgent, consider calling 811 or seeing a pharmacist.
Before you go, check if a pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 24+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
About ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH CENTRE (ÎLE DE LA CROSSE)
St. Joseph's Health Centre in Île-à-la-Crosse, Saskatchewan operates a 24/7 emergency department serving remote northwest Saskatchewan communities from Canoe Lake to Buffalo Narrows to Patuanak. The 11-bed acute care hospital provides emergency care, radiology, and lab services alongside a broad range of community health programs including mental health, home care, and public health. As a small rural northern facility, patients with complex cardiac, stroke, or major trauma needs may require transfer to a larger regional centre.
Services & Specialties
Emergency Department (24/7), Acute Care (11 beds), Radiology, Laboratory Services, Home Care, Public Health, Mental Health Services, Addictions Support, Harm Reduction Medical Care, Take-Home Naloxone Kits, Substance Checking, Occupational Therapy, Exercise Therapy, Nutrition Counselling, Oral Health, Palliative Care, Recreational Therapy, Sexual Health Testing, Treatment and Support, Adult and Childhood Immunizations, Specialty Immunization, Travel Health, Telehealth, Chronic Disease Management, Long-Term Care (17 beds), Family Healing Centre, Suicide Prevention Services, NNADAP Workers, Early Childhood Development.
Amenities
Free on-site parking
Telehealth services
Community gymnasium (within integrated complex)
Community library (within integrated complex)
Childcare and early learning centre (within integrated complex)
If your condition or a loved one's condition worsens while waiting in the ED, immediately notify a triage nurse — do not wait to be called.
The ED uses triage-based prioritization: patients are seen by urgency, not by order of arrival, so be prepared to wait if your condition is non-critical.
For non-emergency health concerns, call 811 at any time to speak with a registered nurse and get professional health advice without visiting the ER.
Patients with complex needs such as cardiac events, major stroke, or serious trauma should be aware that transfer to a larger regional hospital may be necessary — plan for potential transport.
If travelling from a remote or outlying community such as Patuanak or Canoe Lake, ensure your vehicle is fuelled and prepared for winter road conditions, especially during northern Saskatchewan winters.
What to Bring
Valid Saskatchewan Health Card (provincial health card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, doses, and prescribing physicians
List of known allergies (medications and otherwise)
Any relevant medical records or specialist letters if available
Insurance information if applicable (e.g., First Nations Health Benefits card)
Warm clothing or a blanket, especially during winter travel to this northern facility
Snacks and water, as wait times can vary and amenities may be limited
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the emergency department at St. Joseph's Health Centre open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Île-à-la-Crosse is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The outpatient clinic operates separately Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (closed at noon).
What communities does St. Joseph's Health Centre serve?
St. Joseph's Health Centre serves Île-à-la-Crosse and surrounding remote northwest Saskatchewan communities, including Canoe Lake, Buffalo Narrows, and Patuanak, among others.
Can St. Joseph's Health Centre treat serious emergencies like heart attacks or major trauma?
The hospital provides emergency stabilization and acute care, but as a small rural facility it does not have designated cardiac, stroke, or trauma units. Patients with these complex needs may require transfer to a larger regional centre. The emergency team will assess and arrange appropriate transfer if needed.
Does St. Joseph's Health Centre offer mental health services?
Yes, the facility offers a range of mental health and holistic health services including mental health therapists, NNADAP workers, addictions support, a family healing centre, and suicide prevention services. These are part of the broader community health programs offered through the Saskatchewan Health Authority.
Is parking free at St. Joseph's Health Centre in Île-à-la-Crosse?
Yes, free parking is available on-site at St. Joseph's Health Centre. Contact the hospital directly at (306) 833-2016 for information about accessibility parking spaces.
What is the Île-à-la-Crosse Integrated Services Complex?
St. Joseph's Health Centre is part of the Île-à-la-Crosse Integrated Services Complex, a 120,000-square-foot facility that also houses Rossignol Community High School, a community library, a childcare centre, a gymnasium, and other community services. The distinctive roof was designed to resemble a canoe being portaged, honouring the area's history.