Kootenay Lake Hospital

Nelson, BC · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

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Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Nelson

Last updated: recently · View all British Columbia hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

Patients requiring advanced specialist or tertiary care not available at a Level 1 community hospital may be referred to a larger regional facility elsewhere in the Kootenay Boundary area.

Chilliwack General Hospital

Chilliwack · 341 km away

4h 54m

Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Care

Abbotsford · 367 km away

5h 46m

Langley Memorial Hospital

Langley · 389 km away

2h 53m

About Kootenay Lake Hospital

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

Parking & Transit

On-site parking is available for patients and visitors. The facility is wheelchair accessible. For specific parking details or current rates, contact the hospital directly at 250-352-3111.

BC Transit's Health Connections service provides accessible transportation to non-emergency medical appointments at Kootenay Lake Hospital, with routes connecting from Nakusp and Kaslo available by request. For local Nelson transit, BC Transit's West Kootenay service covers routes near the View Street area. Contact BC Transit for current schedules and route information.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at rural community ERs. If your condition is not life-threatening, calling 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) first can help you determine the most appropriate level of care.

🔴 Busier times

Like most emergency departments, Kootenay Lake Hospital's ER is typically busiest on weekend evenings and Monday mornings. Holiday periods and severe winter weather events in the Kootenays can also increase ER volume. For non-urgent issues, consider visiting during weekday daytime hours when possible.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

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.

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.

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