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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.
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
Is the Elk Valley Hospital emergency department open 24/7?
Yes, the emergency department at Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What level of care does Elk Valley Hospital provide?
Elk Valley Hospital is a Level 1 Community Hospital operated by Interior Health. It provides general emergency and acute care. Patients with complex or critical conditions such as major trauma, cardiac events, or stroke are typically transferred to East Kootenay Regional Hospital in Cranbrook for higher-level treatment.
Does Elk Valley Hospital serve patients from Sparwood and Elkford?
Yes, Elk Valley Hospital's service area covers Fernie, Sparwood, Elkford, and Elko. Residents from these communities use this facility as their primary hospital for emergency and inpatient care.
Are laboratory services available at Elk Valley Hospital?
Yes, on-site laboratory services including ECG and Holter Monitor testing are available. Outpatient lab hours are Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Emergency lab services are handled through the emergency department outside those hours.
What are the visiting hours at Elk Valley Hospital?
General visiting hours at Elk Valley Hospital are 2:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily. A maximum of two visitors are allowed at a time. It is recommended to call ahead at (250) 423-4453 if you have specific questions about visiting a patient.
Is there transit service to Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie?
BC Transit operates bus routes connecting Fernie with Sparwood and Elkford. Health Connections also provides transport to non-emergency medical appointments in Cranbrook on Wednesdays and Fridays. Check BC Transit route maps for the stop nearest to 1501 5th Ave, Fernie.