Other British Columbia hospitals with live data: Langley Memorial Hospital · Lillooet District Hospital and Health Centre · Mackenzie and District Hospital and Health Centre
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Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre is a modern, LEED Gold-certified facility located at 741 Centre St in Burns Lake, BC, serving the rural communities of the Lakes District region in northern British Columbia. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, averaging approximately 12,000 visits per year, with patients seen by a physician on a priority basis according to the severity of their condition. As the primary acute care facility for the region, operated by Northern Health, it provides a broad range of services including emergency care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, mental health support, and rehabilitation — making it the first point of contact for urgent and emergent medical needs across this rural area.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Acute care (13 acute care beds), Diagnostic imaging, Laboratory services, Pharmacy, Intensive care, Convalescent and rehabilitation care, Palliative care room, Labour, delivery, and recovery suite, Mental health and addictions services, Public health services, Home and community care, Specialty outpatient clinics, Primary care medical clinic, Chronic disease education programs.
Lakes District Hospital is the primary emergency facility for the Burns Lake and Lakes District region — for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately rather than driving yourself.
The ER sees roughly 12,000 visits per year; like all emergency departments, patients are triaged by severity, so less urgent conditions may involve a wait — bring something to occupy your time.
Burns Lake is a rural community, so if you are travelling from a remote area, plan your route in advance and ensure your vehicle is prepared for northern BC road conditions, especially in winter.
The hospital has an on-site pharmacy, but hours may vary — if you require a prescription filled, call ahead at 250-692-2400 to confirm pharmacy availability.
For non-emergency health concerns, consider contacting the medical clinic or public health services at the health centre before making a trip to the ER, as primary care and outpatient services are also available on site.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., BC Services Card or driver's licence)
BC CareCard or provincial health insurance information
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Contact information for your family doctor or regular care provider
Emergency contact name and phone number
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (hospital waiting areas can be cool)
Snacks, water, and something to read or watch in case of a wait
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Lakes District Hospital emergency department open 24/7?
Yes, the emergency department at Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre in Burns Lake operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patients are seen by a physician on a priority basis based on the severity of their condition.
What is the phone number for Lakes District Hospital?
The main phone number for Lakes District Hospital and Health Centre is 250-692-2400. You can call ahead to confirm service availability or ask questions before your visit.
How many emergency visits does Lakes District Hospital see each year?
The emergency department at Lakes District Hospital averages approximately 12,000 visits per year, making it the primary acute care and emergency resource for the Burns Lake and surrounding Lakes District region.
Does Lakes District Hospital have a pharmacy on site?
Yes, Lakes District Hospital has an on-site pharmacy. Hours may vary, so it is recommended to call 250-692-2400 in advance to confirm availability before your visit.
What makes Lakes District Hospital a notable facility in BC?
The current hospital is a $55-million replacement facility that opened in early 2015, completing five months ahead of schedule. It achieved LEED Gold environmental certification and was designed under BC's Wood First Act, making it a landmark example of sustainable healthcare construction in northern British Columbia.
Does Lakes District Hospital offer mental health services?
Yes, the health centre includes dedicated mental health and addictions services, as well as public health and home and community care programs. These services are available alongside the emergency and acute care functions of the facility.