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Cariboo Memorial Hospital & Health Centre is a Level 2 community hospital located at 517 N Sixth Ave in Williams Lake, BC, operated by Interior Health Authority. Its 24/7 emergency department serves Williams Lake and the broader Cariboo-Chilcotin region — including surrounding rural communities and the First Nations of the Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot'in, and Dãkelh Dené peoples — seeing approximately 60 visits per day. As the primary acute care facility for this vast geographic area, CMH is the appropriate destination for urgent and emergent medical needs across a wide spectrum of conditions.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Medical/Surgical Unit, Maternity and Obstetrical Unit, Mental Health and Substance-Use Services, Oncology and Ambulatory Care, Operating Rooms and Surgical Services, CT Scanning, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Services, Outpatient Hemodialysis, Echocardiography, Mammography, On-Site Pharmacy, Trauma Treatment.
Amenities
On-site pharmacy
Interfaith sacred space (supports traditional cultural and healing practices)
Smudging accommodations in patient rooms
Wheelchair accessible facility
Dedicated children's area ('Avril's Room') in the Emergency Department
Cariboo Memorial is the primary acute care hospital for the entire Cariboo-Chilcotin region — if you are travelling from a rural or remote community, call ahead at (250) 392-4411 when possible.
An active major redevelopment is underway on the hospital campus through approximately 2029. Allow extra travel and parking time, and follow posted on-site signage to reach the emergency department entrance.
The hospital serves a large Indigenous population and is committed to culturally safe care, including smudging accommodations — do not hesitate to ask staff about cultural support options.
For non-life-threatening concerns, consider whether your issue can wait for a family doctor or walk-in clinic in Williams Lake to help keep the ER available for urgent cases.
If travelling from the surrounding Cariboo-Chilcotin area in winter, account for road conditions on Highway 97 and surrounding routes, and notify someone of your travel plans before heading to hospital.
What to Bring
BC Services Card (CareCard) or provincial health insurance information
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Personal health number and any relevant medical records or referral documents
Payment or credit card for any applicable parking or prescription costs
Warm clothing or a blanket, as wait areas can be cool
Snacks and water for potentially long waits
Phone charger or portable battery pack to stay connected during your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of hospital is Cariboo Memorial, and what can it treat?
Cariboo Memorial is a Level 2 community hospital, meaning it can handle a broad range of emergencies including trauma, surgical cases, cardiac events, maternity emergencies, and intensive care. It has on-site CT scanning, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging to support emergency assessment.
Is Cariboo Memorial Hospital undergoing construction, and will it affect my visit?
Yes — a major $366-million redevelopment is underway and is expected to be completed around 2029. The project will expand the emergency department from 11 to 23 treatment bays and grow the hospital to 53 inpatient beds. During this period, construction activity on site may affect parking and navigation, so allow extra time and follow posted signage.
Does Cariboo Memorial Hospital have maternity and labour services?
Yes. CMH has an active obstetrical and maternity unit. The redevelopment will also add new maternity rooms featuring a special announcement feature — families can press a button to activate lights and a chime throughout the building to celebrate a new birth.
Does CMH provide culturally safe care for Indigenous patients?
Yes. The hospital serves the Secwépemc, Tŝilhqot'in, and Dãkelh Dené First Nations communities of the Cariboo-Chilcotin region. The redeveloped facility will include a dedicated interfaith sacred space and accommodations for smudging in patient rooms to support traditional cultural and healing practices.
What phone number can I call to reach Cariboo Memorial Hospital?
You can reach Cariboo Memorial Hospital & Health Centre directly at (250) 392-4411 for general inquiries, directions, or to confirm specific services before your visit.
Is Cariboo Memorial a teaching hospital?
Upon completion of the redevelopment, CMH will include administrative, educational, and training spaces affiliated with the University of British Columbia's Faculty of Medicine, making it an academic teaching site for the region.