East Kootenay Regional Hospital

PREDICTED High confidence
1h 21m – 3h 34m
Most likely 2h 34m
Typically 1h 42m – 3h 30m at this hospital

This hospital doesn't report live data.

Estimate based on similar hospitals. Actual conditions may differ substantially. Call hospital to confirm.

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Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. In general, Canadian emergency departments tend to be less busy on weekday mornings (before noon) and mid-afternoon on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. As EKRH is a regional referral hub, volume can be unpredictable — arriving earlier in the day generally improves your chances of a shorter wait.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Emergency departments across Canada typically see their highest volumes on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, weekends, and during holidays. If your condition is not life-threatening, these periods are generally best avoided.

Nearby Alternatives

Elk Valley Hospital

Fernie · 50 km away

Creston Valley Hospital

Creston · 72 km away

Crowsnest Pass Health Centre

Blairmore · 93 km away

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About East Kootenay Regional Hospital

East Kootenay Regional Hospital (EKRH) is the regional referral centre for the East Kootenay health service area, serving a population of over 79,000 residents across Cranbrook and surrounding communities including Golden, Invermere, Fernie, and Creston. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and provides full trauma and emergency services alongside a broad range of inpatient specialties including surgery, obstetrics, intensive care, and oncology. Patients requiring advanced care beyond the capacity of the four community hospitals in the region are referred to EKRH, making it the highest level of acute care available in the East Kootenay.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency and Trauma Services, General Medicine and Surgery, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Obstetrics and Maternity Care, Pediatric Care, Diagnostic Imaging, Level 3 Regional Laboratory Services, Internal Medicine, Orthopedic Surgery, Ophthalmology, Otolaryngology (ENT), Urology, Psychiatry, Rehabilitation Services, Oncology and Chemotherapy, Renal (Kidney) Services, Clinical Pharmacy Services, Air Medical Transport via On-Site Heliport.

Amenities

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Does East Kootenay Regional Hospital have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes. The emergency department at EKRH in Cranbrook operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all statutory holidays.
What communities does East Kootenay Regional Hospital serve?
EKRH serves as the regional referral centre for the East Kootenay health service area, which includes Cranbrook and the surrounding communities served by four community hospitals in Golden, Invermere, Fernie, and Creston — a total population of more than 79,000 people.
Can I get to East Kootenay Regional Hospital by bus from Kimberley or other nearby towns?
Yes. The Health Connections regional transit service runs a Kimberley–Cranbrook route Monday to Friday with multiple departures (approximately 40 minutes each way). Routes also connect Elkford, Golden, and Creston to EKRH on specific days of the week. The one-way fare is $2.50. Local Cranbrook Transit buses also stop near the hospital, with the closest stop at 3 St S & 23 Av S — about a 3-minute walk.
Does EKRH offer oncology and renal (kidney) services?
Yes. EKRH provides chemotherapy and oncology services as well as renal care. A major expansion project is underway to relocate and grow both departments into a new two-storey building, with renal services on the first floor and expanded oncology on the second. A dedicated patient parking lot with direct access to this wing has been added.
Is East Kootenay Regional Hospital wheelchair accessible?
Yes. EKRH is noted as being fully wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it is recommended to contact the hospital in advance at (250) 426-5281.
What are the visiting hours at East Kootenay Regional Hospital?
General visiting hours are daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you need to visit outside these hours, contact the specific unit you are visiting for permission. You can reach the hospital main line at (250) 426-5281.

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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.

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