About James Paton Memorial
James Paton Memorial Regional Health Centre is one of two acute care referral centres in Central Health, serving the populations of Central and Eastern Newfoundland and Labrador.
85 acute care beds with 24/7 emergency physician coverage and more than 50 physicians on staff.
Specialty Services Include:
• Anesthesia
• General Internal Medicine
• General Surgery
• Neurology
• Obstetrics & Gynecology
• Ophthalmology
• Orthopedics
• Pediatrics
• Pathology
• Radiology
• Advanced Diagnostic Imaging
• Laboratory Services
Lakeside Homes, an adjacent 102-bed long-term care facility, is affiliated with the hospital.
Active Recruitment: Physicians, nurses, midwives — labour and delivery services resumed March 2025. The hospital is actively recruiting both internationally educated healthcare professionals and Canadian-trained specialists.
Location: 125 Trans-Canada Highway, Gander, NL
Hospital facility photo — pending high-quality image sourcing
Healthcare Recruitment Programs in Newfoundland & Labrador
Welcome India Initiative
The Province of Newfoundland & Labrador is actively recruiting registered nurses from India, particularly from the Karnataka region. Contact: WelcomingIndia@gov.nl.ca
NL Health Services International Recruitment
Central Health and provincial health services are actively recruiting internationally educated nurses and healthcare professionals with competitive compensation and support.
Atlantic Immigration Program
A provincial nominee program pathway for healthcare workers and their families seeking permanent residency in Atlantic Canada with employer sponsorship.
Provincial Nominee Program — Healthcare Stream
Newfoundland & Labrador's healthcare-focused provincial nominee stream designed to attract and retain qualified medical and allied health professionals.
Budget 2024 Healthcare Recruitment & Retention
The province allocated $10 million in Budget 2024 specifically for recruitment and retention initiatives for healthcare professionals across Central Health regions.
Memorial University Nursing Program
Memorial University operates a satellite Bachelor of Science in Nursing program in Gander, offering local education pathways for future nurses and healthcare professionals.
Other Healthcare Employers in Gander
Central Health Regional Offices
Central Health administration and regional healthcare management — employment opportunities for healthcare administrators and support staff.
Physician Clinics & Family Practices
Multiple independent physician clinics and family medical practices throughout Gander actively recruiting associate physicians and locum support.
Pharmacies
Shoppers Drug Mart and Lawtons Pharmacies operate multiple locations with job opportunities for registered and pharmacy technicians.
Dental Offices
Several independent and group dental practices in Gander, recruiting dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants.
Optometry & Vision Care
Optometry clinics and vision care centres recruiting licensed optometrists and opticians.
Home Care & Community Health Services
Agencies and provincial services providing home care, nursing, and community health support — diverse career opportunities for nurses and healthcare aides.
Neighborhoods for Healthcare Workers
Near the Hospital
Elizabeth Drive Area
Walkable to James Paton Memorial. Quiet, family-friendly. Convenient for shift workers.
Price Range: $250K–$400K
Airport Heights
Established Family Neighborhood
5-minute drive to the hospital. Modern homes, good schools nearby, active community.
Price Range: $200K–$350K
Cooper Boulevard / Steele's Hill
Newer Development Area
Modern homes with contemporary finishes. Growing community with new amenities.
Price Range: $350K–$550K
Bennett Drive
New Build Homes
Brand-new construction with modern floor plans. Many offer secondary suites for rental income or guest space.
Price Range: $400K–$600K+
Cost of Living: Gander vs. Other Canadian Cities
| Expense Category | Gander | Halifax, NS | Ottawa, ON |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | $359K | $585K | $775K |
| Rent (2-Bedroom Apartment) | $1,100–$1,400 | $1,600–$2,000 | $1,800–$2,300 |
| Groceries (Monthly, Family of 4) | $850–$1,050 | $1,100–$1,350 | $1,200–$1,500 |
| Utilities (Monthly) | $150–$200 | $180–$240 | $200–$280 |
| Childcare (Monthly) | $600–$1,000 | $1,200–$1,600 | $1,400–$1,800 |
| Overall Cost Index | 68% Below National Average | 18% Below National Average | 12% Above National Average |
Schools & Family Services
Public Schools: Gander's schools are highly rated and accessible. Elementary and secondary schools in the area serve families well, with programs in French immersion, advanced academics, and athletics.
Memorial University Satellite Campus: Memorial's presence in Gander offers access to undergraduate and professional programs, including the nursing degree program.
Childcare & Daycare: Multiple licensed daycare facilities operate throughout Gander, offering infant, toddler, and preschool care. Costs are significantly lower than major cities.
Recreation & Community Programs: Parks, recreation centres, and community programs provide sports leagues, swimming, skating, and outdoor activities for children and families.
Healthcare for Families: Pediatric services at James Paton Memorial, multiple family physicians, and comprehensive preventive health services ensure families receive quality care.
Why Gander for Healthcare Workers?
Affordable Housing
Average home price $359K, 68% below the national average. Homeownership is achievable on healthcare professional salaries.
Short Commutes
5–10 minute commute to James Paton Memorial from any neighborhood in town. Perfect for shift work and work-life balance.
Outdoor Lifestyle
Gander Lake, salmon fishing, hiking trails, and four-season outdoor recreation. Escape the hospital and recharge in nature.
Community Feel
Small-town warmth and the Come From Away spirit. Welcoming culture, strong networks, and a sense of belonging.
Air Access
Daily flights to Halifax and St. John's. Easy travel for professional development, family visits, or quick getaways.
Growing Community
23% population growth since 2001. Build Up Gander initiative driving development, new amenities, and economic opportunity.
Your Turner Realty Healthcare Specialists
Our team understands healthcare relocation. Let us help you find home.
What Healthcare Workers Say
"Moving from Ireland to Gander was daunting, but Crystal and the team made it seamless. They understood what we needed as a new healthcare family. Gander feels like home now."
International Nursing Professional
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Whether you're relocating from across Canada or internationally, Turner Realty specializes in helping healthcare professionals settle into Gander. Reach out today — we're here to support your move.