Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 26+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) is Vancouver Island's busiest emergency department, serving Nanaimo and surrounding communities including Parksville, Ladysmith, Gabriola Island, and Port Alberni as the designated regional referral hospital for all communities north of Victoria. With 345 acute care beds, a dedicated Psychiatric Emergency space, a Trauma Inpatient Unit, and a state-of-the-art ICU, NRGH provides a full spectrum of emergency and critical care around the clock. This is a high-volume regional hub — patients with non-urgent concerns are encouraged to consider the Central Nanaimo Urgent and Primary Care Centre to reduce wait times.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Trauma Inpatient Unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), High Acuity Unit (HAU), Dedicated Psychiatric Emergency space, Psychiatric crisis and emergency services, Forensic nursing (sexual and relationship violence, 24/7, no referral needed), Free Take Home Naloxone (Narcan) kits available from ED, Surgery and surgical services, Cardiac risk reduction rehabilitation, Atrial fibrillation clinic, Pacemaker clinic, Community dialysis, Bariatric surgery, Breast cancer services, Cancer care centre, Cleft lip and palate clinic, Child and adolescent psychiatry, Chronic disease management, Pulmonary function lab, Pain management services, Ostomy care, Outpatient opioid agonist treatment, Medical imaging, Medical laboratory, Urgent Medical Assessment Clinic, Second MRI suite, Third endoscopy unit, Heliport on site, Indigenous patient support services.
Amenities
Code Brew coffee shop in the lobby (Canterbury Coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, soups, salads) — operated by the Nanaimo & District Hospital Foundation
Hospital cafeteria open daily 8:00 AM – 6:15 PM
Free WiFi for patients and visitors (network: IslandHealthGuestWiFi)
Indigenous patient support services including Elder connections and cultural support
Timber canopy entrance and airy lobby with regional artwork and sky-open courtyards
NRGH is the busiest ER on Vancouver Island — if your condition is not life-threatening, consider the Central Nanaimo Urgent and Primary Care Centre first to avoid longer waits.
Upon arrival, a triage nurse will assess the urgency of your condition. The most serious cases are always treated first, so wait times vary significantly based on patient volume.
Use PayByPhone (Location 55371) or the HONK app to pay for parking directly from your phone — pay stations do not accept debit cards and provide no change.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual violence or relationship violence within the last 7 days, NRGH's forensic nursing service is available 24/7 through the ED — no appointment or referral is required.
Free Take Home Naloxone (Narcan) kits are available by request from the emergency department for anyone who needs them.
The hospital has a heliport and is the regional referral centre for communities across central and northern Vancouver Island — expect the ED to serve a large and diverse patient population.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card (CareCard)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or test results
Insurance or extended health benefit information if applicable
Phone charger or portable battery pack for wait times
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — ERs can be cold during long waits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nanaimo Regional General Hospital's emergency department open 24/7?
Yes. NRGH's Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, including holidays.
What communities does NRGH serve as a regional hospital?
NRGH is the primary care facility for Nanaimo, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Lantzville, Nanoose Bay, Cedar, Bowser, and Gabriola Island. It is also the designated regional referral hospital for communities north of Victoria, including Port Alberni, the North Island, and Vancouver Island's west coast.
Does NRGH have mental health and psychiatric emergency services?
Yes. The NRGH Emergency Department includes a dedicated Psychiatric Emergency space. The hospital also provides psychiatric inpatient services and psychiatric crisis and emergency services.
Can I access forensic nursing services at NRGH without a referral?
Yes. NRGH offers free, confidential forensic nursing care for individuals of all ages and genders who have experienced sexual violence or intentional relationship violence within the last seven days. The service is available 24/7 through the Emergency Department — no referral or appointment is needed.
How do I pay for parking at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital?
Parking is paid 24/7. You can pay at on-site pay stations using coins or credit card (no debit or Visa-branded debit), or use the HONK app or PayByPhone (Location 55371) on your smartphone. Your licence plate number is required. Pay stations do not give change. Emergency patients should park in Lot 4.
What bus routes serve Nanaimo Regional General Hospital?
BC Transit Route 30 (NRGH) is a dedicated route with a stop on the hospital grounds. Route 20 (Hammond Bay) also serves the nearby area. Buses run seven days a week with reduced service on weekends and holidays.