For residents of Gimli and surrounding Interlake communities, having hospital, diagnostic, emergency, and community-based health services available close to home can make a significant difference. The Gimli Community Health Centre Johnson Memorial Hospital serves as an important healthcare facility in Gimli, Manitoba, bringing several types of care together at one location. The facility is part of the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority and is officially listed at 120-6th Avenue in Gimli.
The centre is more than a place to visit when someone becomes seriously ill. Current regional information lists acute care, emergency and outpatient services, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, a community cancer program, hemodialysis, rehabilitation services, palliative care, and other programs at the Gimli facility.
For patients and families, however, understanding which service to use—and when—is just as important as knowing what is available. This guide explains the hospital’s location, healthcare programs, diagnostic services, emergency care, community resources, and practical information to consider before visiting.
What Is Gimli Community Health Centre (Johnson Memorial Hospital)?
The Gimli Community Health Centre is the healthcare facility historically associated with Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli. Manitoba’s current facility listings identify it as Johnson Memorial Hospital (Gimli Community Health Centre), while the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority uses the name Gimli Community Health Centre (Johnson Memorial Hospital).
The facility is located at:
120-6th Avenue
Box 250
Gimli, Manitoba R0C 1B0
The regional health authority lists the hospital’s main telephone number as 204-642-5116 and fax number as 204-642-5860.
Its importance comes partly from the range of services concentrated in one community location. Instead of functioning solely as a small hospital for inpatient treatment, the centre supports a broader healthcare model that includes diagnostics, outpatient care, rehabilitation, cancer services, dialysis and community health programs.
The hospital also has a long history in the region. Manitoba government records show that a major redevelopment project was announced in 2002 with a $13 million capital investment for new construction and renovations. The redevelopment was intended to modernize hospital services and expand the community-oriented approach to healthcare delivery.
For today’s patients, the practical takeaway is that the centre acts as an important local healthcare hub rather than offering only one category of medical treatment.
Healthcare Services Available at Gimli Community Health Centre
The range of programs available at the Gimli Community Health Centre Johnson Memorial Hospital is one of the most useful things for residents to understand before seeking care.
According to the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority’s current facility directory, health programs and services associated with the Gimli centre include:
- Acute care
- Community Cancer Program
- Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services
- Emergency and outpatient services
- EMS and ambulance
- Hemodialysis Program
- Medical clinic
- Occupational therapy
- Palliative care
- Physiotherapy
- Rehabilitation services
- Spiritual care
Not every service should be assumed to operate on the same schedule. Hospital-based emergency care, a scheduled diagnostic test, physiotherapy appointment and primary care visit all function differently.
Patients should therefore avoid treating the hospital’s general availability as confirmation that a particular department is open for unscheduled visits.
Some healthcare services may require a physician’s referral, booked appointment or specific preparation before arrival. Laboratory or diagnostic tests, for example, can have their own operating hours and requisition requirements.
The safest approach is to identify the service you need first and then verify its current availability.
This becomes particularly important in smaller communities, where staffing, appointment availability and service schedules may change.
Emergency and Outpatient Care in Gimli
Emergency and outpatient services are listed among the programs available at Gimli Community Health Centre. The facility is therefore an important part of urgent healthcare access for Gimli and the surrounding region.
Emergency departments are intended for medical problems that require prompt assessment and cannot reasonably wait for a routine appointment.
Examples of potentially serious situations can include severe breathing difficulty, significant injuries, symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, serious bleeding, loss of consciousness or other rapidly worsening medical problems.
The correct level of care depends on the individual situation.
For a life-threatening emergency, patients should not spend valuable time searching online for clinic hours. The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority lists 911 for emergency medical services associated with its hospitals, including Gimli.
Less urgent concerns may sometimes be more appropriately handled through primary care rather than the emergency department.
That distinction benefits both the patient and the healthcare system. A medical issue that has existed for several weeks and is stable may be better assessed through primary care, while a sudden serious condition may require emergency evaluation.
Patients should also understand that emergency departments generally prioritize cases based on clinical urgency rather than simple arrival order. Someone arriving after you may therefore be assessed first if their condition is more serious.
Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory and EKG Services
Diagnostic services are a particularly useful part of the Gimli healthcare facility because they allow many patients to complete important tests without travelling to a larger urban centre.
The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority currently lists lab, X-ray and EKG services at Gimli Community Health Centre, located at 120-6th Avenue. Published diagnostic hours are 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with a listed diagnostic contact number of 204-642-4519.
These services can play different roles in diagnosis and ongoing medical care.
Laboratory testing may be used for blood tests and other investigations ordered by a healthcare provider. X-rays can help evaluate certain injuries, bones, joints, chest conditions and other medical concerns. An electrocardiogram, commonly called an EKG or ECG, records electrical activity in the heart and can help healthcare providers investigate certain cardiac symptoms or conditions.
Patients should not assume every diagnostic procedure is available on demand.
Depending on the test, you may require:
- A healthcare provider’s requisition
- An appointment
- Fasting beforehand
- Medication instructions
- Identification or health information
- Previous imaging or medical documentation
Because hours and requirements can change, confirming instructions before travelling is sensible—especially for patients coming from outside Gimli.
Hemodialysis Services at Johnson Memorial Hospital
Hemodialysis is another significant program listed at the Gimli Community Health Centre.
Dialysis is an essential treatment for some patients whose kidneys can no longer adequately remove waste products and excess fluid from the blood. Hemodialysis uses specialized equipment to perform part of this filtering function.
Unlike many occasional healthcare services, dialysis usually involves a carefully managed treatment schedule. Patients receiving hemodialysis may require treatment multiple times per week based on their medical plan.
Having dialysis capacity within a regional community can reduce the travel burden that would otherwise be placed on patients and families.
This is particularly meaningful in Manitoba, where distance can become a major barrier to healthcare access.
However, the fact that hemodialysis is offered at the facility does not mean patients can simply arrive and request dialysis treatment.
Renal care requires medical assessment, coordination, treatment planning and scheduled access. Anyone moving to the area, travelling while receiving dialysis, or needing renal services should arrange appropriate medical coordination in advance.
Patients should speak with their renal healthcare team about treatment location, scheduling and continuity of care rather than relying on general hospital information alone.
Community Cancer Program
The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority also lists a Community Cancer Program at the Gimli Community Health Centre.
Community cancer services are important because cancer treatment can involve repeated healthcare visits over weeks or months. When suitable services can be delivered closer to a patient’s home, the amount of travel associated with treatment may be reduced.
This is especially relevant for people living outside major cities.
Cancer care is highly individualized, however. A community cancer program should not be interpreted as meaning every type of cancer investigation or treatment is available locally.
Depending on diagnosis and treatment requirements, patients may still need to visit larger hospitals or specialized cancer centres for particular procedures, consultations, imaging or therapies.
The local program can nevertheless form an important part of coordinated care.
Patients should rely on their oncology team for instructions about:
- Treatment location
- Appointment dates
- Required blood tests
- Medications
- Treatment preparation
- Follow-up appointments
- Symptoms that require urgent attention
Cancer patients should also confirm appointment information directly rather than depending on general online listings, particularly when treatment schedules are involved.
Primary Health Care and Medical Clinic Services
Primary healthcare addresses many medical needs that do not necessarily require emergency hospital treatment.
The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority lists a Gimli Primary Health Care Centre at the same 120-6th Avenue address. The regional directory currently lists the primary care centre’s telephone number as 204-642-1618, with hours of Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., closed from noon to 1:00 p.m. for lunch.
Primary care can be appropriate for ongoing and non-emergency health concerns, depending on provider availability and appointment arrangements.
Examples may include ongoing health management, follow-up care, assessment of non-emergency symptoms and other routine medical needs.
It is important not to confuse primary care hours with hospital emergency availability.
They are different services.
Someone searching for “Gimli hospital hours” may actually need information about the medical clinic, diagnostic department or community health office rather than the hospital itself.
Before travelling, determine which department you need and contact that service when necessary.
This can prevent arriving during the wrong department’s hours or expecting walk-in access when an appointment is required.
Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Rehabilitation
Recovery does not always end when a patient leaves an emergency department or hospital bed.
For many people, rehabilitation is the next major stage of healthcare.
The Gimli Community Health Centre lists occupational therapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services among its programs.
Physiotherapy can support patients dealing with movement, strength, mobility or functional limitations associated with injury, illness or recovery.
Occupational therapy focuses heavily on a person’s ability to perform everyday activities safely and independently.
Rehabilitation can be particularly important after:
- Surgery
- Serious injury
- Stroke
- Extended hospitalization
- Mobility decline
- Certain neurological conditions
- Musculoskeletal problems
The exact rehabilitation plan depends on the patient’s medical circumstances.
These services may also involve referrals and scheduled appointments rather than open walk-in access.
Patients discharged from hospital should carefully follow their discharge instructions, including information about therapy referrals and follow-up appointments.
If a referral has been made but you are uncertain about the next step, contact the appropriate healthcare provider or facility rather than assuming an appointment has automatically been scheduled.
Continuity between hospital treatment and rehabilitation can be critical to achieving the best possible recovery.
Palliative and Spiritual Care
Healthcare is not always focused on curing disease.
For patients living with serious or life-limiting illness, quality of life, comfort, symptom management and family support can become central priorities.
Palliative care is listed among the services available through Gimli Community Health Centre. Spiritual care is also included in the facility’s program listing.
Palliative care can involve support for symptoms such as pain, discomfort and other challenges associated with serious illness. It may also include discussions about goals of care and support for family members.
A common misunderstanding is that palliative care is relevant only during the final days of life.
In practice, palliative approaches may become part of care earlier in a serious illness, depending on the patient’s circumstances and healthcare plan.
Spiritual care can provide another form of support for patients and families dealing with illness, uncertainty, grief or major medical decisions.
Not every patient will require these services, but their availability demonstrates the broader role of community healthcare.
Families seeking palliative support should speak with the patient’s healthcare provider or regional health team about eligibility, referrals and what services can be provided locally or at home.
Community Health Services Available in Gimli
The hospital is only one part of Gimli’s local healthcare network.
The Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority also lists a Gimli Community Health Office at 120-6th Avenue, with services including chronic disease nursing, community wellness, dietitian support, home care, mental health, public health/Families First, seniors resources and pediatric speech-language therapy.
This matters because many healthcare needs do not belong in an emergency department.
A person managing a chronic disease may benefit from ongoing community-based support. A new family may need public health resources. An older adult may require information about home care or seniors services.
Community programs can help connect residents with care before a health problem becomes an emergency.
Available services listed for the Gimli Community Health Office include:
- Chronic disease nursing
- Community wellness
- Dietitian services
- Home care
- Mental health
- Public health/Families First
- Seniors resources
- Pediatric speech-language therapy
Access requirements differ by program.
Some may accept direct inquiries, while others may involve referrals or eligibility assessments.
Residents should therefore contact the appropriate program for current access information rather than assuming every community service operates as a walk-in clinic.
History and Development of Johnson Memorial Hospital
Johnson Memorial Hospital has been part of Gimli’s healthcare history for decades.
Government records from 2002 describe a substantial redevelopment initiative involving a $13 million capital investment in the hospital. The project included new construction, renovations, furniture, equipment and related development costs.
At the time, the Manitoba government pointed to Gimli’s population growth, its role as a retirement community and increased pressure during the tourist season as reasons for improving the facility.
That seasonal factor remains easy to understand.
Gimli is a well-known Lake Winnipeg community that attracts visitors, meaning healthcare infrastructure may serve both permanent residents and people temporarily visiting the region.
The redevelopment was designed to provide modern hospital space while supporting a more community-oriented healthcare model.
Later investments also expanded healthcare connectivity. In 2012, Manitoba announced that Telehealth services had become available at Johnson Memorial Hospital, allowing residents to access certain medical expertise remotely and potentially reduce travel for specialized consultations.
The facility’s evolution helps explain why today’s centre combines hospital, diagnostic, treatment, rehabilitation and community health functions.
What to Know Before Visiting
A little preparation can make a healthcare visit considerably easier.
For a scheduled appointment, patients should confirm where they are supposed to report. Multiple services operate from the Gimli healthcare site, so “120-6th Avenue” alone may not tell you which department you need.
Bring any documentation requested by the healthcare provider.
Depending on the visit, useful items can include:
- Manitoba health information
- Government-issued identification when required
- Medication list
- Medical requisition
- Appointment details
- Relevant medical documents
- Mobility or accessibility aids
- Contact information for your primary provider
For diagnostic testing, check whether special preparation is required.
Some tests may require fasting or other instructions. Do not independently stop prescription medication simply because you are having a test; follow instructions from your healthcare provider.
For non-emergency services, calling before making a long trip can also prevent wasted travel if hours or appointment arrangements have changed.
For a serious or life-threatening emergency, however, seek emergency assistance promptly rather than delaying care to call individual hospital departments.
Gimli Community Health Centre Contact Information
Current Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority information lists the following details for the hospital:
Gimli Community Health Centre (Johnson Memorial Hospital)
120-6th Avenue
Box 250
Gimli, Manitoba
R0C 1B0
Hospital phone: 204-642-5116
Fax: 204-642-5860
The diagnostic department is separately listed at 204-642-4519, with published Lab-X-Ray-EKG hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.
The Primary Health Care Centre is listed at 204-642-1618, with published weekday hours of 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and a noon-to-1:00 p.m. lunch closure.
Because departmental schedules and service availability can change, patients should verify current details directly when planning a non-emergency visit.
For official regional information, visit the Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority facility directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What services does Gimli Community Health Centre Johnson Memorial Hospital provide?
The Gimli Community Health Centre Johnson Memorial Hospital currently lists acute care, emergency and outpatient services, diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, a Community Cancer Program, hemodialysis, a medical clinic, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, palliative care and spiritual care among its programs.
Separate community health programs are also available in Gimli, including home care, mental health, public health and chronic disease support.
Availability, referrals and operating schedules vary by service, so patients should verify the specific department they need.
Where is Johnson Memorial Hospital in Gimli?
The facility is located at 120-6th Avenue, Gimli, Manitoba, R0C 1B0. Manitoba’s facility directory identifies Johnson Memorial Hospital as the Gimli Community Health Centre at this address.
The main hospital telephone number currently listed by the regional health authority is 204-642-5116.
Does Gimli Community Health Centre offer X-rays and blood tests?
The regional health authority lists laboratory, X-ray and EKG services at the Gimli Community Health Centre.
Published hours are currently Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and the listed diagnostic phone number is 204-642-4519.
Patients should confirm whether their test requires a requisition, appointment or special preparation.
Is dialysis available in Gimli?
Yes. A Hemodialysis Program is included in the official list of health programs available at Gimli Community Health Centre.
Dialysis treatment requires medical coordination and scheduling. Patients needing dialysis should work through their renal care team rather than arriving without arrangements.
Is the Gimli Primary Health Care Centre the same as the emergency department?
No. Primary care and emergency services should not be treated as interchangeable.
The Gimli Primary Health Care Centre is listed at the same 120-6th Avenue location, but it has its own contact information and published weekday hours. Emergency/outpatient services are separately listed as a hospital program.
Patients experiencing potentially life-threatening emergencies should seek emergency assistance rather than waiting for a routine primary care appointment.
Final Thoughts
The Gimli Community Health Centre Johnson Memorial Hospital is an important part of healthcare delivery in Manitoba’s Interlake region. Its role extends well beyond traditional inpatient hospital care, with official regional listings covering emergency and outpatient care, acute care, laboratory and diagnostic imaging, hemodialysis, community cancer services, rehabilitation, physiotherapy, occupational therapy and palliative care.
For residents, one of the most important things to understand is that different services at the centre operate differently. A hospital emergency visit, blood test, X-ray, primary care appointment, dialysis treatment and physiotherapy session do not share one universal schedule or access process.
Check the specific department before travelling for non-emergency care, particularly if you are coming from another community.
With hospital care and multiple community health programs available in the same local network, Gimli residents have access to a broad range of services closer to home. For current hours, referrals, appointments and program availability, official Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority information should remain the primary source.