Residents in surrounding communities such as Vernon, Penticton, and Salmon Arm have access to other Interior Health facilities that may be closer depending on your location.
Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) is a major tertiary referral hospital located at 2268 Pandosy St in Kelowna, BC, operating a 30,000 sq ft Emergency Department 24 hours a day, 7 days a week as a Level 2 trauma centre. Serving over 900,000 residents across the southern interior of BC — including Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Peachland, and Winfield — KGH is the primary acute care and specialist referral destination for the Interior Health region, seeing approximately 95,000 unscheduled ER visits annually. As the only hospital outside the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island to perform cardiac surgery and angioplasty, KGH is the appropriate destination for high-acuity emergencies, complex trauma, cardiac events, stroke, and serious pediatric or obstetric emergencies in the Okanagan.
Services & Specialties
Level 2 Trauma CentreCardiac Surgery & Angioplasty (only site in BC interior)Cardiac Angiogram & Diagnostic CardiologyCardiac Stepdown Unit41-bed ICU / CCU / High Acuity UnitNeurosurgery & Acute NeurologyCardiothoracic & Vascular SurgeryThoracic SurgeryGeneral Surgery (15 operating rooms)UrologyENT (Ear, Nose & Throat)Maternity, Obstetrics & Antepartum CarePediatric Emergency CareAdult & Adolescent PsychiatryAcute Psychiatric ServicesAddiction Consult TeamCT Scan & Medical ImagingEndoscopyChemotherapyBurns ClinicEnd of Life / Palliative CareDiabetes Education24-Hour Sexual Assault Emergency Care (ages 13+, no referral required)Forensic Evidence CollectionCanadian Triage Acuity Scale (CTAS) triageRooftop Helipad for air ambulance
Amenities
Cafeteria / Food Services
KGH Foundation Coffee Shop (Mon–Fri 7:30am–7:30pm; Sat–Sun 8:30am–4:30pm)
ATM on site
Gift Shop
Flower Shop
Chapel and Spiritual Health Services
Interpreter & Translation Services
Indigenous Patient Navigator
Wireless Internet (Wi-Fi)
Public Telephones
TVs
Newspaper
Mailbox
Lost & Found
Volunteer Services
Smoke-free campus (indoors and outdoors)
Parking & Transit
Paid parking is available in the main parkade on site. Passes are purchased from machines in the lobby of the Clinical Academic Campus building, accepting credit, debit, Apple Pay, and Google Pay via the Park&Pay system. Published rates are approximately $1.50/hour and $6.00/day (confirm current rates with Parking Services, as rates may have changed). Monthly passes can be arranged by calling Interior Health Parking Services at 1-855-491-6498. A Fee Exempt Patient Parking Program is available for qualified patients — contact Parking Services for details. On-street parking on surrounding streets is paid parking every day.
BC Transit Routes 1, 8, and 11 all serve Kelowna General Hospital, with a dedicated on-site bus stop at Kelowna General Hospital Bay C. Route 1 (Lakeshore) runs between Mission Rec Exchange and Queensway Exchange. Route 8 (University/College) connects Okanagan College Exchange and UBCO Exchange. Nearest street-level stops are at Pandosy at Cadder and Richter at Sutherland.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
Emergency departments are typically least busy in the early morning hours between 6:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. on weekdays. If your situation is not immediately life-threatening, visiting during these quieter windows may result in shorter wait times. Always call 911 for life-threatening emergencies regardless of time.
🔴 Busier times
Like most large urban emergency departments, KGH tends to be busiest on weekday evenings (after 5:00 p.m. when physician offices close), weekends, and holiday periods. Monday mornings can also see surges as patients who delayed care over the weekend arrive. Check real-time wait estimates before heading in when possible.
Tips Before You Go
KGH is a Level 2 trauma centre and tertiary referral hospital — it is the right choice for serious emergencies, cardiac events, stroke, major trauma, and complex surgical needs in the Okanagan.
After 8:00 p.m., all visitors and support persons must enter through the main Centennial Building entrance, which is open 24/7, and sign in with Security on arrival.
If you are an Indigenous patient or family member, ask for the on-site Indigenous Patient Navigator, who can provide culturally safe support and help communicate with your care team.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual assault, KGH provides 24-hour emergency medical care for sexual assault for anyone aged 13 and older — no referral is required, and forensic evidence can be stored for up to one year.
Parking can fill quickly, especially on weekdays. Budget extra time to find a spot in the main parkade, and remember that the Park&Pay system accepts tap payments including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., BC Services Card, driver's licence, passport)
BC CareCard or provincial health card number
List of all current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral documents
Provincial insurance information or extended health benefits card if applicable
Phone charger or portable battery — wait times can be lengthy
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer, as emergency departments can be cool
Snacks and water for accompanying support persons (patients will be assessed for dietary needs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kelowna General Hospital's Emergency Department open 24/7?
Yes. The KGH Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, including holidays. The main Centennial Building entrance is also open 24/7 for after-hours access.
Is KGH equipped to handle heart attacks and cardiac emergencies?
Yes — KGH is uniquely equipped for cardiac emergencies. It is the only hospital outside the Lower Mainland or Vancouver Island in BC that performs angioplasty and cardiac surgery. The Interior Heart and Surgical Centre on campus has two dedicated cardiac operating rooms and is BC's fifth cardiac critical care centre.
Does Kelowna General Hospital have a trauma centre?
Yes. KGH operates as a Level 2 trauma centre, meaning it can manage a wide range of serious traumatic injuries around the clock. The Emergency Department is housed in a 30,000 sq ft facility with a rooftop helipad for air ambulance arrivals.
Where can I park when visiting the KGH Emergency Department?
Paid parking is available in the main parkade on site. You can pay using the Park&Pay system, which accepts credit cards, debit cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. Parking passes can be purchased at machines in the Clinical Academic Campus lobby. A Fee Exempt Patient Parking Program exists for qualifying patients — call 1-855-491-6498 for details.
Can I get emergency care for sexual assault at KGH?
Yes. KGH provides 24-hour emergency medical care for sexual assault for individuals of any gender aged 13 and older. No referral is required. Services include STI testing, pregnancy testing, medical after-care, and forensic evidence collection (which can be stored for up to one year even if you are not ready to report).
What transit routes go to Kelowna General Hospital?
BC Transit Routes 1, 8, and 11 all stop directly at Kelowna General Hospital at a dedicated on-site bus bay (Bay C). Route 1 (Lakeshore) connects the hospital to Queensway Exchange downtown, while Route 8 (University/College) links KGH with Okanagan College and UBCO.
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.