For cases requiring highly specialized care such as advanced trauma, cardiac intervention, or neurosurgery, patients may be transferred to larger regional facilities in northern or central BC as appropriate.
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 DepartmentAcute care (13 acute care beds)Diagnostic imagingLaboratory servicesPharmacyIntensive careConvalescent and rehabilitation carePalliative care roomLabour, delivery, and recovery suiteMental health and addictions servicesPublic health servicesHome and community careSpecialty outpatient clinicsPrimary care medical clinicChronic disease education programs
Amenities
On-site pharmacy
Food services
Private patient rooms (single bed per room)
In-room TV and telephone in each patient room
Private bathroom in each patient room
Parking & Transit
The hospital is located in downtown Burns Lake at 741 Centre Street. Specific parking lot details are not publicly confirmed — contact the hospital directly at 250-692-2400 for current parking information and accessibility options.
Burns Lake is a small rural community in northern BC with limited public transit options. Most patients access the hospital by private vehicle. If you require transportation assistance, contact the hospital at 250-692-2400 for guidance on available options.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, emergency department visits tend to be lower in volume during early morning hours on weekdays. For non-life-threatening concerns, arriving mid-morning on a weekday may result in shorter waits.
🔴 Busier times
No historical data is available to identify peak periods at this specific ER. As a general pattern, Canadian emergency departments tend to be busiest on Monday mornings, weekend evenings, and during local events or holidays. If your condition is not urgent, avoiding these times when possible may reduce your wait.
Tips Before You Go
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.
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.