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Bulkley Valley District Hospital is a 24-bed acute care facility located at 3950 8th Ave in Smithers, BC, operated by Northern Health and serving a wide regional catchment that includes Smithers, Telkwa, Houston, Hazelton, and surrounding rural and remote communities. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate assessment and treatment with patients triaged by severity of condition. As a rural community hospital, BVDH stabilizes and transfers patients requiring advanced specialized care — such as complex cardiac intervention or trauma surgery — to larger regional centres like University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency department, Acute medical and surgical care, Maternity and labour services, Intensive care, Cardiac diagnostics, Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging, Palliative and convalescent care, Rehabilitation therapy, Pediatric care (on-site pediatrician), Anesthesiology (three anesthetists on staff), Visiting specialist surgeons, Specialty outpatient clinics, Telehealth and virtual appointments, Indigenous Care Team services, Cancer treatment nursing support, Home care and community nursing (on-site), Chronic disease education programs, Patient stabilization and inter-facility transfer coordination.
Amenities
Hospital auxiliary gift shop and thrift store (volunteer-operated, supports equipment fundraising)
HealthElife digital portal — 24/7 secure online access to personal health records via computer, tablet, or smartphone
Telehealth services for virtual specialist appointments
Indigenous Care Team (available Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri, 8 am–4 pm)
Use the NH Check In app before arriving to check current wait times and reserve your place in line for eligible drop-in services at the hospital.
If you need lab work, note that the on-site lab is only open Monday to Friday, 8 am to 3 pm, and is closed on weekends and statutory holidays — plan accordingly for non-emergency tests.
Patients requiring highly specialized care such as advanced cardiac procedures or complex trauma surgery should expect to be stabilized at BVDH and transferred to University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George — bring contact information for a family member who can be notified of any transfer.
If you or a family member is First Nations, Métis, or Inuit, ask about the Indigenous Care Team, available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 4 pm, for culturally safe navigation support.
For non-emergency concerns or to confirm service availability before travelling from a remote community, call the hospital at 250-847-2611 — this is especially important for patients coming from outlying areas like Houston, Hazelton, or Telkwa.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (BC Services Card or CareCard)
Government-issued photo ID
List of all current medications, dosages, and prescribing physicians
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Provincial health number and any extended health insurance information
Emergency contact name and phone number
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (hospital waiting areas can be cool)
Snacks, water, and entertainment (book, phone charger) in case of a longer wait
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bulkley Valley District Hospital have a 24-hour emergency department?
Yes. The emergency department at Bulkley Valley District Hospital in Smithers, BC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. Patients are assessed and seen by a physician based on the urgency and severity of their condition.
What happens if I need specialized care that BVDH cannot provide?
As a 24-bed rural acute care hospital, Bulkley Valley District Hospital is equipped to stabilize patients and coordinate transfers to larger regional centres. Patients requiring advanced cardiac intervention, complex trauma surgery, or specialized stroke care are typically transferred to University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George.
Is there an Indigenous Care Team at Bulkley Valley District Hospital?
Yes. BVDH has an Indigenous Care Team that supports First Nations, Métis, and Inuit patients and their families in accessing culturally safe care. The team assists with appointments, admissions, discharges, long-term care transitions, and end-of-life support, and is available Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 am to 4 pm.
Can I access my health records from Bulkley Valley District Hospital online?
Yes. Northern Health offers the HealthElife digital platform, which provides 24/7 secure online access to your electronic health records. You can log in from any computer, tablet, or smartphone to review your records from care received at BVDH and other Northern Health facilities.
Does BVDH serve patients from communities outside Smithers?
Yes. Bulkley Valley District Hospital serves a broad regional catchment area that includes Telkwa, Houston, Hazelton, Burns Lake, Fort St. James, and many other surrounding communities. Patients from these areas regularly rely on BVDH for emergency and acute care services.
Are telehealth or virtual care services available through Bulkley Valley District Hospital?
Yes. BVDH offers Telehealth services, allowing patients to attend specialist appointments virtually. This is particularly valuable for residents of the Bulkley Valley region who would otherwise need to travel significant distances to access specialist care. Contact the hospital at 250-847-2611 to inquire about telehealth referrals.