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

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

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

Pharmacists in Saskatchewan can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

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.