Chetwynd General Hospital and Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, rural emergency departments tend to be less congested during mid-morning on weekdays. Use the NH Check In app to review current wait times before your visit.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify specific peak periods at this facility. Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher patient volumes. If your condition is not life-threatening, calling 811 (BC HealthLink) first can help you determine whether an ER visit is necessary.

About Chetwynd General Hospital and Health Centre

Chetwynd General Hospital and Health Centre operates a 24-hour emergency department serving Chetwynd, Hudson's Hope, Moberly Lake, Tumbler Ridge, and the surrounding region of approximately 8,000 residents in northeastern BC. Operated by Northern Health, this rural community hospital provides emergency care, acute care, diagnostic imaging, intensive care, and long-term and palliative care under one roof. Patients requiring higher-acuity or specialized care may be transferred to larger centres such as Dawson Creek and District Hospital.

Services & Specialties

24-hour emergency department, Acute care, Intensive care, Diagnostic imaging (X-ray), On-site laboratory services, Long-term care, Palliative care, Convalescent and rehabilitation care, Mental health and substance use services, Public health services, Home and community care, Weekly specialty clinics (dental, dietitian, audiology), Indigenous Care Team and Indigenous Care Coordinator, Affiliated with UNBC Northern Medical Program.

Amenities

• On-site laboratory
• NH Check In app for wait times and lab check-in
• Wheelchair accessible building
• Indigenous Care Coordinator on-site
• Nearest community pharmacy approximately 1 km away on Hospital Road

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 1 walk-in clinics in Chetwynd →

Pharmacists in British Columbia can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• Use the NH Check In app before heading to the lab to check current wait times and reserve your spot in line — this can save significant waiting time.
• Call ahead at 250-788-2236 to confirm availability of specific services, as some specialty clinics (dental, dietitian, audiology) are offered on a weekly schedule only.
• If you or a family member is an Indigenous patient, ask staff about the Indigenous Care Coordinator, who can provide support at intake, during your stay, and at discharge.
• For complex or high-acuity conditions, be aware that the hospital may coordinate transfer to Dawson Creek and District Hospital — bringing a list of your medications and health history will help speed that process.
• The nearest pharmacy is located approximately 1 km from the hospital in the community; plan ahead for prescription pick-up after your visit.

What to Bring

• BC Services Card or provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, doses, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records or referral documents
• Emergency contact information
• Personal comfort items for potential wait times (snacks, water bottle, warm layer)
• Payment method for any applicable fees
• Phone charger or portable battery pack

Frequently Asked Questions

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. Actual wait times may vary.

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