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Arrow Lakes Hospital is a Level 1 Community Hospital located at 97 1st Ave NE in Nakusp, BC, operated by Interior Health within the Kootenay Boundary Health Service Area. The emergency department operates 24/7 and serves nearly 5,000 residents across Nakusp, New Denver, Silverton, Edgewood, and surrounding rural communities in the Arrow Lakes region. As a small six-bed rural facility, it provides essential emergency and acute care services, though patients requiring advanced specialty care such as cardiac surgery or neurology may be transferred to larger regional centres like Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Two dedicated trauma bays, Triage assessment area, General Medicine, Surgical services, Inpatient acute care, Radiology (X-ray), Electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), Holter Monitor, Pulmonary Diagnostics, Physiotherapy, Community Respiratory Therapy, Dietitian Services, Wound Care, Telehealth services, Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) Program, Emergency Health Services, Patient and Family Counselling, Diabetic Education Clinic, Palliative and hospice care, BC Early Hearing Program, Community Care Clinic, On-site laboratory (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. to noon).
Amenities
Gift shop on-site
Food services / cafeteria
On-site laboratory services (Mon–Fri, 8 a.m. to noon)
Arrow Lakes is a small six-bed rural hospital — for life-threatening emergencies such as major trauma, stroke, or cardiac events, paramedics may arrange transfer to a larger regional centre like Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson.
Telehealth services are available at this hospital, which can connect you with specialists remotely — ask staff if your condition may benefit from a telehealth consultation.
The hospital participates in a rural emergency care pilot project designed to improve overnight physician coverage, so emergency care should be consistently accessible.
Laboratory services are only available Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to noon for routine testing — if you need non-emergency lab work, plan your visit accordingly.
All visitors must check in with the nursing station and are welcome between 12:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. daily, though access depends on the patient's condition.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (BC CareCard or BC Services Card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Extended health insurance information if applicable
Emergency contact name and phone number
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or recent test results
Comfortable clothing and a blanket for potentially long waits
Snacks, water, and entertainment for wait times, especially if travelling from a remote area
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Arrow Lakes Hospital emergency department open 24/7?
Yes, the emergency department at Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp is normally open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hospital also participates in a rural emergency care pilot project aimed at ensuring reliable overnight physician access.
What level of care does Arrow Lakes Hospital provide?
Arrow Lakes Hospital is designated as a Level 1 Community Hospital. It handles general emergency, surgical, and acute care needs. Patients requiring advanced specialties such as cardiac surgery, neurology, or high-level trauma are typically transferred to larger regional hospitals such as Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson or Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke.
Does Arrow Lakes Hospital have a Sexual Assault Forensic Examination (SAFE) program?
Yes. Arrow Lakes Hospital offers a SAFE (Sexual Assault Forensic Examination) Program, which is noteworthy for a hospital of its size. This service is available to patients who have experienced sexual assault and require forensic medical care.
Is there parking at Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp?
Yes, free on-site parking is available at Arrow Lakes Hospital. There is no charge for patients or visitors to park at the facility.
What communities does Arrow Lakes Hospital serve?
Arrow Lakes Hospital serves residents of Nakusp, New Denver, Silverton, Edgewood, and the broader surrounding rural communities in the Arrow Lakes region. It is the primary acute care and emergency facility for approximately 5,000 people in this area.
Does Arrow Lakes Hospital offer telehealth services?
Yes. Arrow Lakes Hospital offers telehealth services, which allows patients to connect remotely with specialists who may not be physically present at the facility. This is especially valuable given the hospital's rural location and limited on-site specialist coverage.