Elk Valley Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be quieter at small community ERs. For non-life-threatening concerns, consider calling 811 (HealthLink BC) first to assess whether an ER visit is necessary.

Busier times: No historical data is available for this facility. As with most ERs, weekend evenings and Monday mornings are typically busier. During Fernie's busy ski and outdoor tourism seasons, the ER may see increased volume from recreational injuries.

About Elk Valley Hospital

Elk Valley Hospital is a Level 1 Community Hospital located at 1501 5th Ave in Fernie, BC, operated by the Interior Health Authority and serving the East Kootenay communities of Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, and Elko. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing general acute care including inpatient services, obstetrics, and emergency health services. Patients requiring higher-level trauma, cardiac, or stroke intervention are typically stabilized and transferred to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, General acute inpatient care, Obstetrics, On-site laboratory services, ECG and Holter Monitor testing, Emergency Health Services.

Amenities

• Wheelchair accessible facility

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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Tips Before You Go

• Elk Valley Hospital is a small community facility — for life-threatening emergencies such as major trauma, heart attack, or stroke, paramedics will assess whether transfer to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook is required.
• If you are travelling from Sparwood or Elkford, be prepared for a drive to Fernie — plan ahead and call 911 for serious emergencies rather than driving yourself.
• Visiting hours are 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily, with a maximum of two visitors at a time — coordinate with family before arriving.
• Lab outpatient services are only available Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so schedule routine bloodwork accordingly rather than relying on a walk-in after hours.
• Call the hospital at (250) 423-4453 ahead of your visit to confirm available amenities and parking, as specific on-site services are limited for this small facility.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• BC Services Card or provincial health insurance card
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Personal items for comfort such as water, snacks, and a phone charger
• Insurance information if applicable
• Emergency contact information
• A warm layer — hospital waiting areas can be cool

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.