Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 26+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
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
On-site pharmacy (6 pharmacists and 9 technicians)
On-site heliport for air medical transport
Wheelchair accessible throughout
Patient and visitor parking on site
Dedicated oncology/renal parking lot with direct building access
EKRH is the regional hub for four surrounding community hospitals — if you are travelling from Golden, Invermere, Fernie, or Creston for specialist care, plan for at least a half-day trip and confirm your appointment details in advance.
If you rely on the Health Connections regional bus service, note that routes run only on specific days and have set departure times from EKRH — plan your return trip before you arrive so you are not stranded.
The hospital's visiting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily in most units. If you need to visit outside these hours, contact the specific unit directly at (250) 426-5281 to request access.
For non-emergency concerns, consider calling 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) before heading to the ER — a registered nurse can help you decide if an emergency visit is necessary and save you unnecessary wait time.
EKRH has a heliport on site and serves as a trauma referral centre — if you are arriving with a critically injured patient by private vehicle, follow signage to the emergency entrance and notify staff immediately upon arrival.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or referral letters
Extended health insurance information (if applicable)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Snacks, water, and something to read or watch for wait times
A trusted family member or friend if you may need help communicating or making decisions
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.