Service updates

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises the public that we are currently experiencing intermittent issues to telephone services at the Makkovik Community Clinic.

Patients in need of medical attention, who are unable to contact the clinic, should proceed to the clinic. Patients with a medical emergency who require an ambulance should call 911.

NL Health Services is working with the service provider on this matter. NL Health Services apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause and thanks the public for their patience.

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Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises the public of a temporary disruption of laboratory services (walk-in blood collection) at the Notre Dame Bay Memorial Health Centre in Twillingate from:

• Monday, September 8 at 9:00 a.m. until Tuesday, September 9 at 9:00 a.m.

Emergency blood collection services are not affected at this time. If routine laboratory services are required, patients may choose to travel to another health-care facility. This temporary disruption will not affect the services provided by the emergency and medical imaging departments.

NL Health Services thanks you for your cooperation.

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Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises the public of an update to emergency services within the Central Zone for the period of August 23 to August 28: 

Temporary Closure 

Lewisporte Health Centre, Lewisporte 

• Saturday, August 23, from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Baie Verte Peninsula Health Centre, Baie Verte

• Sunday, August 24 at 8:00 a.m. until Monday, August 25 at 8:00 a.m.

Connaigre Peninsula Health Centre, Harbour Breton

• Friday, August 22 at 8:00 a.m. until Saturday, August 23 at 8:00 a.m.

• Monday, August 25 at 8:00 a.m. until Tuesday, August 26 at 8:00 a.m.

• Wednesday, August 27 at 8:00 a.m. until Thursday, August 28 at 8:00 a.m.

Lewisporte Health Centre, Lewisporte

• Tuesday, August 26 at 4:30 p.m. until Wednesday, August 27 at 8:00 a.m.

• Wednesday, August 27 at 4:30 p.m. until Thursday, August 28 at 8:00 a.m.

When a virtual ER is operating: Residents can proceed to the ER as usual where they will be assessed and transferred to another hospital, if necessary. The emergency department staff will be supported by a physician who will be available virtually.

In case of emergency: Patients with a medical emergency who require an ambulance should call 911. Those who feel they have a serious or urgent medical problem should proceed to the nearest open emergency. If you are unsure if you should go to the emergency department, please call the 811 HealthLine or click here.

Other information:

811 HealthLine is available 24/7 to provide:

• medical advice (including virtual nurse practitioner appointments);

• health information; and

• support in a mental health crisis.

For more information, please visit: https://www.811healthline.ca/.

NL Health Services thanks the public for their understanding as we continue to focus on providing safe and quality care for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador. 

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Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises that the Western Bay Medical Clinic will reopen tomorrow (September 4, 2025), following its temporary closure due to the wildfire in the area and the evacuation order.

The decision to reopen follows the lifting of the evacuation order announced on August 30, 2025. The pop-up clinic for evacuees offered at the Salem Centre (Comfort Centre) in Small Point will conclude operations at the end of the day Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

Beginning Thursday, September 4, 2025, the Western Bay Medical Clinic will provide the following services on site:

• – Primary health care
• – Mental health and addictions (Doorways)
• – Community supports

The clinic will operate from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with clinical appointments available from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Individuals can contact the clinic at 709-598-2470 to schedule an appointment. Walk-in services will also be available for mental health and addictions, and community supports.

Mental Health Supports 
NL Health Services recognizes that this may be a difficult time for people and encourages them to avail of mental health resources, as needed. For a full listing of available resources, please visit: https://nl.bridgethegapp.ca/adult/mental-health-services-during-natural-disasters-and-emergencies/ or call 811 in a mental health crisis. 

NL Health Services continues to work closely with provincial emergency management officials and community partners to monitor the situation and respond to any emerging needs. 

For the latest health-care updates during wildfires in the province, please visit https://nlhealthservices.ca/news-centre/wildfire-information/.

For the latest information on wildfires in Newfoundland and Labrador, please visit the provincial government webpages NL Active Wildfire Dashboard and www.gov.nl.ca/alerts.

We thank residents for their patience and cooperation, and extend our appreciation to all frontline responders and support personnel. 

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Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises that on-site emergency and primary care coverage at the Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau will be supported through virtual services effective Friday, February 14, 2025.  

When a virtual ER is operating: Residents can proceed to Labrador South Health Centre in Forteau where there will continue to be a health-care provider available to support patient care on-site and to assist with virtual care.  

Virtual ERs help ensure emergency care coverage 24 hours per day, seven days per week to emergency departments that may experience challenges with local physician coverage. During a virtual ER, residents can proceed to the ER as usual. There will be a health-care professional onsite, as well as a physician or nurse practitioner (NP) by video. In many respects, a Virtual ER operates the same as a traditional Emergency Room.  

In case of emergency: Patients with a medical emergency who require an ambulance should call 911. Those who feel they have a serious or urgent medical problem should proceed to their nearest emergency department. If you are unsure if you should go to the emergency department, please call the 811 HealthLine. 

Virtual primary care: Provincial virtual primary care services are available to individuals who do not have a primary care provider (family doctor or nurse practitioner) and have registered with Patient Connect NL. Virtual primary care is an additional service option that can provide diagnosis and treatment for numerous common illnesses with the use of innovative technology. 

Other information:
811 HealthLine is available 24/7 to provide: 

• – medical advice (including virtual nurse practitioner appointments which can usually be accommodated within three days); 
• – health information; and 
• – support in a mental health crisis. 

For more information, please visit: https://www.811healthline.ca/. 

Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) Health Services advises the public that laboratory services (blood collection) will be temporarily unavailable at the Mani Ashini Community Clinic in Sheshatshiu. Other services provided at the Mani Ashini Community Clinic will proceed as usual.

During this time, patients may choose to proceed to the Labrador Health Centre in Happy Valley – Goose Bay for routine laboratory services (blood collection).

NL Health Services thanks you for your cooperation.