ST. JOSEPH'S HEALTH CENTRE (ÎLE DE LA CROSSE)

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, early morning hours on weekdays tend to be quieter in rural hospital emergency departments. The on-site clinic operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM for non-emergency concerns, which may help reduce ED demand during those hours.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Emergency departments in rural and remote hospitals can become busier on evenings and weekends when the outpatient clinic is closed and all walk-in care is directed to the ED. For non-urgent issues, calling 811 first can help you determine whether an ED visit is necessary.

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)
• Multipurpose and meeting rooms
• Elder and spiritual counselling space
• Stage and performing arts classroom

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• 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

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 Saskatchewan health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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