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Kootenay Lake Hospital is a Level 1 community hospital located at 3 View St in Nelson, BC, operated by the Interior Health Authority and serving Nelson, the Slocan Valley, Kaslo, and surrounding Kootenay Lake communities. The 24/7 emergency department was significantly expanded — tripling in size to over 9,900 square feet — and features an on-site CT scanner, making it the primary emergency and acute care hub for a wide rural region. Patients requiring complex surgical procedures or tertiary specialist care may be transferred to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency care, CT scanning, X-ray and radiology, Laboratory services, General surgery, Acute inpatient care, Obstetrics, Outpatient ambulatory care, Physiotherapy, Dialysis, Chemotherapy clinic, IV therapy, Diabetic education clinic, Respiratory clinic, Cardiology — ECG/EKG and Holter monitor services, Palliative care, Observation and assessment.
Amenities
On-site pharmacy (Kootenay Lake District Hospital Pharmacy) — 250-354-2308
Use the dedicated emergency department entrance on arrival — after 8 p.m., all visitors must use the ER entrance and the intercom system to reach inpatient units.
Kootenay Lake Hospital has an on-site CT scanner, so many urgent imaging needs can be handled locally without transfer.
For non-emergency medical appointments, check whether BC Transit's Health Connections service from your community (Kaslo, Nakusp, etc.) can provide accessible transportation.
The on-site pharmacy at 250-354-2308 can help with prescriptions following your ER visit — confirm hours when you call.
Patients with complex cardiac, trauma, or surgical needs may be stabilized here and then transferred to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail — asking staff about this pathway early can help you plan.
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 or previous test results
Provincial or private insurance information
Phone charger or portable battery pack
Comfort items for potential wait (water bottle, snack, warm layer)
A trusted contact person's name and phone number
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Kootenay Lake Hospital have a CT scanner on site?
Yes. Kootenay Lake Hospital has an on-site CT scanner, added as part of a $15.3-million redevelopment of the facility's first floor. This allows many urgent imaging needs to be addressed locally in Nelson without requiring patient transfer.
What communities does Kootenay Lake Hospital's ER serve?
The emergency department serves Nelson and a broad surrounding region, including the Slocan Valley, Kaslo, and Kootenay Lake area communities. It is the primary 24/7 emergency care facility for this part of the West Kootenays.
How do I enter the hospital after hours?
After 8 p.m., all visitors are asked to use the emergency department entrance. An intercom system at that entrance allows you to connect with the specific inpatient unit you need to reach.
Does Kootenay Lake Hospital handle all emergencies, or will I be transferred?
Kootenay Lake Hospital is a Level 1 community hospital and handles a wide range of emergency and acute care needs. However, patients requiring complex surgery, intensive care, or highly specialized services may be transferred to Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, which serves as the regional referral centre for the area.
Is there a pharmacy at Kootenay Lake Hospital?
Yes. The Kootenay Lake District Hospital Pharmacy is located on-site at 3 View Street and can be reached at 250-354-2308. Contact them directly to confirm current hours of operation.
How can I get to Kootenay Lake Hospital without a car?
BC Transit's Health Connections service offers accessible transportation to non-emergency medical appointments at the hospital, with routes available from communities including Nakusp and Kaslo. For trips within Nelson, BC Transit's West Kootenay local service covers the View Street area. Contact BC Transit for current schedules and to arrange a trip.