Cowichan District Hospital

Duncan, BC · Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Duncan

Last updated: recently · View all British Columbia hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

Patients with non-urgent needs may also find care at urgent care or same-day clinics elsewhere in the Cowichan Valley, and those requiring highly specialized services may be directed to facilities in Nanaimo or Victoria.

Ubc Hospital

Vancouver · 64 km away

1h 18m

St. Mary's Hospital / Sechelt-Shishalh Hospital

Sechelt · 77 km away

2h 46m

Richmond Hospital

Richmond · 60 km away

4h 5m

About Cowichan District Hospital

Cowichan District Hospital is the primary acute care facility for Duncan and the broader Cowichan Valley region, including communities such as Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, and Crofton. The Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with 17 care spaces and triage-based prioritization to ensure the most critical patients are seen first. The hospital also provides intensive care, diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation, specialty outpatient clinics, and serves as a training site for UBC Island Medical Program students and residents.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Diagnostic imaging services Convalescent and rehabilitative care Specialty outpatient clinics Chronic disease education programs Medical student and resident training (UBC Island Medical Program)

Amenities

Parking & Transit

Free parking is available on site at 3045 Gibbins Rd. No paid parking is required, reducing out-of-pocket costs for patients and visitors.

Take BC Transit Route #2 to reach Cowichan District Hospital.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is available for this location. Generally, early weekday mornings tend to be quieter at most hospital emergency departments. If your condition is not urgent, checking real-time wait times before you leave can help you plan your visit.

🔴 Busier times

No historical data is available to identify specific peak periods at this facility. As with most Canadian ERs, evenings, weekends, and holidays tend to see higher patient volumes. Arriving during these periods may result in longer waits for non-critical conditions.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Emergency Department at Cowichan District Hospital open 24/7?
Yes, the Emergency Department at Cowichan District Hospital in Duncan, BC is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
How does triage work at Cowichan District Hospital's ER?
When you arrive, a triage nurse will assess the urgency of your condition. Patients are seen based on medical severity, not the order they arrive. Life-threatening cases are always prioritized.
Is parking free at Cowichan District Hospital?
Yes, parking is free at the Gibbins Road location. There is no charge to park, which is a benefit for patients and visitors who may be spending extended time at the hospital.
What communities does Cowichan District Hospital serve?
The hospital is the main acute care facility for the Cowichan Valley and serves Duncan, Chemainus, Cobble Hill, Cowichan Bay, Crofton, and surrounding communities in the region.
Is there a new Cowichan District Hospital being built?
Yes, a replacement hospital is under construction and expected to open around 2027. It will be named Quw'utsun Valley Hospital / Quw'utsun Hulitun-ew't-hw and will expand the ED from 17 to 45 care spaces and increase overall capacity from 148 to 204 beds.
Is free Wi-Fi available at Cowichan District Hospital?
Yes, free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the facility. Connect to the wireless network called 'IslandHealthGuestWiFi' on your device and follow the on-screen instructions to get online.

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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