The Emergency Department
The Emergency Department at Deep River & District Hospital is open 24 hours a day, providing emergency care to over 14,000 patients each year. Our skilled team is here to care for serious or life-threatening conditions at any time of day or night.
Upon arrival, you will be seen by a triage nurse, who will assess your symptoms to determine how urgently you need medical attention. This process ensures that the sickest patients are treated first.
We understand that waiting can be difficult. Please be patient as we prioritize visitors based on the severity of their condition. If your symptoms worsen while you are waiting, speak with the triage nurse.
Please note that fees apply for some items such as crutches, slings, splints, immobilizers, and certain medications.
Our Emergency Department does not provide the following services:
- Employment physicals and assessments
- Insurance form completion (including ODSP and private insurance)
- Prescription renewals (including narcotics, medical marijuana, and routine medications)
- Routine physical exams
- Routine screening (e.g., cervical or colorectal screening)
- Allergy injections
- Routine or travel immunizations
- Travel health assessments
- Tuberculosis (TB) skin tests
Please bring the following with you to help us provide safe, efficient care:
- Your Ontario or other provincial health card and any additional health insurance information
- Photo ID, if you do not have a provincial health card
- Social Insurance Number if the visit is related to WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board)
- Department of National Defence patients: Please bring your service card
- A list of allergies and all current medications
For more details on your Emergency Department visit and how to stay safe, please refer to our Patient Information Guide.
Emergency vs. Primary Care: When to Go Where?
When to Visit the Emergency Department
For adults, go to the Emergency Department for the following:
- Broken bones
- Chest pain
- Difficulty breathing or sudden shortness of breath
- Eye, hand, or ear injuries
- Loss of consciousness
- Major sprains or trauma
- Severe abdominal pain
- Heavy bleeding or head injury
- Sudden speech or vision changes
- Sudden weakness or dizziness
For children, visit the Emergency Department for the following:
- Persistent fever over 38.5°C (100.4°F)
- Ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
- Refusal to eat or drink
When to Contact Your Family Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
Your primary care provider is the best contact for the following:
- Cold, cough, or sore throat
- Ear infections
- Fever or flu symptoms
- Minor burns, rashes, or sprains
- Chronic health concerns
- Prescription renewals
Need Advice?
Call Health 811 at 1-866-797-0000 to speak with a registered nurse. This service is available 24 hours a day.
Don’t have a family doctor or can’t reach your provider?
Contact the Renfrew County Virtual Triage and Assessment Centre (RC VTAC) at 1-844-727-6404 for access to a team of physicians, community paramedics, and medical receptionists.
Spiritual Care
Deep River & District Health supports the spiritual well-being of all patients by offering access to a multi-use, non-denominational spiritual space on-site. This quiet, inclusive space is available for reflection, prayer, or ceremony, and is designed to support a wide range of spiritual and cultural practices.
The space also supports the use of Indigenous medicines, including smudging, in recognition of the diverse spiritual practices of those we serve.