Cariboo Memorial Hospital and Health Centre

Williams Lake, BC · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Williams Lake

Last updated: recently · View all British Columbia hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

Patients in the broader Cariboo-Chilcotin region should be aware that Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake is the closest full-service acute care facility for most surrounding communities; other hospitals in the Interior Health region may be accessible for non-emergency follow-up care.

Whistler Health Care Centre

Whistler · 231 km away

1h 6m

Squamish General Hospital

Squamish · 280 km away

3h 43m

Eagle Ridge Hospital

Port Moody · 321 km away

2h 24m

About Cariboo Memorial Hospital and Health Centre

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

Parking & Transit

Visitor and patient parking is located at the north corner of the hospital, with main access off Gibbon Street and 6th Avenue. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Note that an active redevelopment project is underway through approximately 2029 — allow extra time for navigation and follow on-site signage, as construction may affect access routes.

No confirmed public transit routes directly serving Cariboo Memorial Hospital are available. Williams Lake is a smaller city; check with BC Transit or the City of Williams Lake for current route information near 517 N Sixth Ave.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (after the overnight rush but before midday peaks) tends to be quieter at community hospital ERs. If your condition is not life-threatening, earlier weekday mornings are typically less busy than evenings or weekends.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait time data is available. As with most emergency departments, evenings (5–10 PM), weekends, and holidays tend to see higher volumes as family doctors and walk-in clinics are closed and non-urgent patients supplement true emergencies.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

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.

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage — patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on British Columbia health data using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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