West Nipissing General Hospital

Emergency Preparedness & Planning

Emergency Planning

In the event of an emergency situation requiring the temporary suspension of critical services at WNGH, we want to ensure that you are informed about the available options to address your medical needs.

In the event of service disruptions, we kindly request that you seek alternative care for non-urgent matters, urgent care, continuing care and other health services at nearby facilities or agencies within the area. Please review below:

Provides immediate medical attention for severe, lift-threatening conditions or injuries. Delivered in hospital emergency departments, it addresses issues like chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, trauma or stroke symptoms.

911

Please call 911 in any emergency situation that requires immediate assistance from a police officer, firefighter, or a paramedic.

North Bay Regional Health Centre

50 College Drive, North Bay, ON, P1B 5A4
(705) 474-8600
www.nbrhc.ca

Health Sciences North

41 Ramsey Lake Road, Sudbury, ON, P3E 5J1
(705) 523-7100
www.hsnsudbury.ca

Mattawa Hospital

207 Turcotte Park Road, Mattawa, ON, P0H 1V0
(705) 744-5511
www.mattawahealth.ca

Refers to medical services for routine, preventative or minor health issues that do not required immediate attention, such as check-ups, vaccinations, chronic condition management, medication management, or minor illnesses.

Telehealth / Health 811

Toll Free 1 (866) 797-0007

Pharmasave Aubin Pharmacy

220 King Street, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 1R9
(705) 223-0494
www.pharmasave,com

Northern Lights Remedy’s Rx Pharmacy

12006 ON-17, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 3K8
(705) 753-0202

Loblaw Pharmacy

12035 ON-17, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 2S6
(705) 753-5850
www.pchealth.ca

Sturgeon Falls Life Care Pharmacy

77 Front Street, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 2G9
(705) 893-5433
www.sturgeonfallspharmacy.ca

I.D.A RX Drug Mart

228 King Street, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 1R9
(705) 753-0150
www.guardian-ida-remedysrx.ca

Refers to medical or non-medical support provided to individuals in their homes to manage ongoing health needs, recover from illness or maintain independence. This includes nursing care, therapy, assistance with daily activities and monitoring chronic conditions.

Au Château

100 Michaud Street, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 2Z4
(705) 753-1550
www.auchateau.org

Ontario Health atHome

1164 Devonshire Avenue, North Bay, ON, P1B 6X7
1 (800) 461-2919
www.ontarioheatlhathome.ca

Provide assistance to individuals or families to improve well-being and address specific needs, such as counselling, transportation, meal delivery, financial aid or housing support.

The Alliance Centre Crisis Intervention Program

172 Ethel Street, Pod #3, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 1V9
Open 4:00PM to 11:00PM, 365 days a year
(705) 753-3110 x 288
www.wngh.ca

Victim Services Nipissing District

135 Princess Street West, North Bay, ON, P1B 8K6
(705) 472-2649
www.vsnd.ca

Horizon Women’s Centre
P.O. Box 6228, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 2K6
(705) 753-1154
www.horizoncentre.ca

Ojibway Women’s Lodge
Toll Free: 1 (800) 387-2465
24 Hour Crisis Line and Shelter: (705) 472-3321

District of Nipissing Children’s Services

94 King Street, Unit 15, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 2Z5
(705) 753-5400
www.dnssab.ca/childrens-services/

District of Nipissing Housing Services

94 King Street, Unit 15, Sturgeon Falls, ON, P2B 2Z5
(705) 753-5400
www.dnssab.ca/housing-services/

Emergency Preparedness

West Nipissing General Hospital is dedicated to providing a safe, secure, and respectful environment for all patients, visitors, staff, physicians, volunteers, and learners, with care that reflects the diverse needs and experiences of the communities we serve.

To support this commitment, the hospital maintains comprehensive emergency preparedness plans, supported by trained response teams and established procedures. These measures are designed to address a variety of situations that may impact patient care or hospital operations—including fires, hazardous material incidents, infrastructure disruptions, external emergencies, and security-related events—while ensuring care remains respectful and responsive to individual needs.

Emergency codes are used within the hospital to quickly communicate specific situations and trigger the appropriate response. Staff are trained to act on these codes and will assist patients and visitors by providing clear direction and support during any emergency.

What to Do if You Hear an Emergency Code

If an emergency code is announced overhead:

  • Remain calm.
  • Pay close attention to announcements.
  • Follow instructions given by hospital staff.
  • Be prepared to stay where you are or relocate if directed.
  • Avoid entering restricted or affected areas.
  • Keep hallways and care areas clear for emergency responders.

If you witness an emergency or have concerns about an immediate safety issue, please inform a staff member as soon as possible. If you decide to leave the hospital during an emergency, notify a staff member so we are aware and do not begin searching for you.

Code Red is announced when there is a fire, visible smoke, or a suspected fire within the hospital.

If you notice fire or smoke:

  • Activate the nearest fire alarm.
  • Inform a staff member right away.
  • Leave the area if it is not safe to remain.
  • Close doors behind you to help limit the spread of smoke and flames.
  • Follow all instructions provided by staff.

If the fire alarm is activated:

  • Pause and listen carefully to announcements.
  • Exit the building if directed, using the closest safe route.
  • Once outside, remain nearby so staff can ensure everyone is accounted for.

Trained hospital teams will manage the situation and assist patients and visitors.

Code Orange indicates the hospital is responding to a significant event in the community that may result in a surge of patients.

Examples include:

  • Transportation incidents
  • Industrial or workplace incidents
  • Natural disasters
  • Large-scale community emergencies

During a Code Orange:

  • Some appointments or services may be delayed.
  • Staff may be reassigned to urgent care areas.
  • Access to parts of the hospital may be limited.
Code Brown indicates a spill involving hazardous materials within the hospital.

Examples include:

  • Chemical or cleaning agents
  • Biological hazards
  • Gas leaks or other dangerous substances

If announced:

  • Avoid the affected area.
  • Follow staff instructions.
  • Do not attempt to clean or handle the substance.

Only trained personnel will respond using appropriate equipment.

Code Black indicates a bomb threat or the discovery of a suspicious object.

If you notice a suspicious item:

  • Do not touch or move it.
  • Leave the area immediately.
  • Notify a staff member.

Emergency services will assess and respond appropriately.

Code Blue signals a life-threatening medical emergency involving an adult patient.

If nearby:

  • Remain clear of the area.
  • Allow the response team to reach the patient without delay.
Code Pink is called when an infant or child requires immediate life-saving care.

If nearby:

  • Stay clear of the area.
  • Ensure emergency responders have unobstructed access.
Code Green means that an evacuation may be required, either in a specific area or throughout the hospital.

Possible reasons include:

  • Fire or smoke
  • Hazardous material incidents
  • Structural concerns
  • Utility or infrastructure failures
  • External threats affecting the building

If a Code Green is announced:

  • Stop and listen for instructions.
  • Stay in place unless directed to move.
  • Be ready to relocate quickly if needed.
  • Follow staff guidance to a safe location.

Hospital staff will direct and support all patients and visitors during an evacuation.

These codes are used when someone is unaccounted for within the hospital.

  • Code Yellow: Missing adult or patient
  • Code Amber: Missing or possibly abducted infant or child

If one of these codes is announced:

  • Listen closely to the description provided.
  • Stay where you are unless directed otherwise.
  • Share any helpful information with staff.
  • Immediately report if you believe you have seen the individual.
  • Follow all instructions from hospital personnel.

Staff will begin a coordinated search to locate the individual as quickly as possible.

Code White is used when there is a risk of violence or an escalating behavioural situation.

If announced:

  • Keep a safe distance from the area.
  • Do not attempt to intervene.
  • Stay calm and follow directions from staff or security.

Specially trained personnel will respond and manage the situation.

Code Purple is used in the event of a hostage-taking situation.

If announced:

  • Move away from the area if it is safe.
  • Stay calm and avoid drawing attention to yourself.
  • Follow instructions from staff and emergency responders.

Specialized response teams will manage the situation.

Code Grey is called when essential hospital services are interrupted.

Examples include:

  • Power failures
  • Water supply issues
  • Heating or ventilation problems
  • Flooding
  • IT or communication outages
  • Poor external air quality

If announced:

  • Remain calm.
  • Follow instructions from staff.
  • Expect possible service or appointment delays.
Code Silver is used when there is an active threat or a person with a weapon in or near the hospital.

If announced:

  • Leave the area immediately if it is safe.
  • If you cannot leave, find a secure place and stay quiet.
  • Follow directions from staff or emergency responders.
  • Do not approach the area of concern.

Police and emergency services will take control of the situation.

In addition to our core emergency response plans, WNGH maintains a range of contingency plans to address specific situations, including:

  • Blood Shortage
  • Boil Water Advisory
  • Communication Failure
  • Cyber Attack
  • Extreme Heat
  • Heliport
  • Internal Flooding
  • Managing Unforeseen Circumstances
  • Nurse Call Bell System Malfunction
  • Pandemic & Influenza
  • Power Failure
  • Surge Capacity Management
  • Water Service Interruption

Each department also maintains its own tailored contingency plans to ensure a coordinated and effective response across the organization.

Contact Information

West Nipissing General Hospital
725 Coursol Road
Sturgeon Falls, Ontario
Phone: 705-753-3110

Emergency Contacts

  • Emergency: 911
  • Health811: 811
  • Poison Centre: 1-844-764-7669

Emergency Alerts

In major situations, updates may also be shared through:

  • Alert Ready
  • Ontario 511
  • Environment Canada

Emergency Preparedness at Home

Being prepared at home is just as important. Consider:

  • Creating a family emergency plan
  • Assembling an emergency supply kit
  • Staying informed about local alerts and weather conditions
  • Knowing key contact numbers and evacuation routes

Prepared individuals and communities contribute to safer and more effective emergency response.

Learn More

For additional information on emergency preparedness, visit: