Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: If your situation is not life-threatening, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy than weekends and evenings at most emergency departments. Always call 911 or go immediately for serious emergencies regardless of time.

Busier times: Emergency departments across Canada, including KBRH, typically see higher volumes on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and throughout the weekend. Evenings after 6 PM and public holidays are also traditionally busier. For non-urgent concerns, consider waiting for a weekday morning if it is safe to do so.

About Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital

Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH), located at 1200 Hospital Bench in Trail, BC, operates a 24/7 emergency department serving approximately 88,000 residents across a 29,000 square kilometre area of the Kootenay Boundary region. Designated as a Level 3 Trauma Referral Centre, Regional Stroke Centre, and Regional Oncology Centre, KBRH offers a higher level of care than most community hospitals in the region. Patients requiring emergency, trauma, stroke, or oncology-related urgent care from communities spanning Grand Forks to Nelson are served here.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency and Trauma Services (Level 3 Trauma Referral Centre), Regional Stroke Centre, Regional Oncology Centre and Chemotherapy, Acute and Obstetrical (Maternity) Care, Psychiatry and Acute Mental Health, General, Orthopedic, Plastic, Urology, and Gynecological Surgery, Cardiology: Stress Testing, Event Monitoring, Echocardiogram, Internal Medicine Consultation, Respiratory Care and Pulmonary Diagnostics, Pediatric Care including Pediatric Asthma Program, Endoscopy and Ambulatory Procedures, Level 2 Laboratory Services, Physiotherapy, MRI Services.

Amenities

• Expanded on-site pharmacy with private patient education room (reopened July 2022)
• Ambulatory care wing with procedure rooms and endoscopy suites (opened 2021)
• Renovated oncology department
• Modernized physiotherapy department
• Updated cast clinic
• Hospital volunteer information and direction assistance in the main lobby
• Free parking on site and overflow on Hospital Bench Road

Other Care Options

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

Pharmacists in British Columbia can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• Go directly to the Emergency Department entrance for urgent or emergency care — do not stop at main reception.
• For scheduled appointments or procedures, check in at main reception where hospital volunteers can assist with directions.
• Parking is free but fills up quickly — arrive early, use overflow parking on Hospital Bench Road, or arrange a drop-off.
• BC residents with a valid BC Care Card are not billed for insured hospital services, though extras like private rooms or crutches may have a fee.
• If you are coming from a community outside Trail (such as Grand Forks or Nelson), KBRH is your designated regional hub for trauma, stroke, and cancer care — no need to travel further for most emergencies.

What to Bring

• BC Care Card or provincial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• Any relevant medical records, imaging, or referral letters
• List of allergies and known medical conditions
• Emergency contact information
• Comfortable clothing and layers (hospitals can be cold)
• Snacks, water, and entertainment for potential wait times

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.