Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

Nanaimo, BC · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

✓

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

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

Last updated: recently · View all British Columbia hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

Patients with non-urgent conditions may find shorter wait times at the Central Nanaimo Urgent and Primary Care Centre or other Island Health urgent care clinics serving the Nanaimo area.

St. Mary's Hospital / Sechelt-Shishalh Hospital

Sechelt · 36 km away

2h 46m

Ubc Hospital

Vancouver · 53 km away

1h 18m

Richmond Hospital

Richmond · 60 km away

4h 5m

About Nanaimo Regional General Hospital

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

Parking & Transit

Paid parking is enforced 24/7 in all hospital lots. Emergency Patient Parking is in Lot 4, with a dedicated Emergency Patient Drop-Off area and a separate Ambulance Bay. Visitor Parking is in Lot 3. Pay stations accept coins or credit card only — no debit or Visa-branded debit cards, and no change is provided. Mobile payment is available via the HONK app or PayByPhone (Location 55371) on Apple or Android devices. A valid licence plate is required to purchase parking. Bicycle racks, lockers, and a bicycle compound are also available on site.

BC Transit Route 30 (NRGH) provides dedicated bus service directly to the hospital, with a stop located on hospital grounds. Route 20 (Hammond Bay) also serves the nearby area. Service runs seven days a week with reduced frequency on weekends and holidays. All accessible buses are equipped with bike racks. Service is operated jointly by BC Transit and the Regional District of Nanaimo.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be slightly less busy at most Canadian ERs. However, as the busiest emergency department on Vancouver Island and a major regional referral hub, NRGH can experience high volumes at any hour.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. As a general pattern, Canadian ERs are typically busiest on Monday mornings, weekend evenings, and during cold and flu season. For non-urgent issues, visiting the Central Nanaimo Urgent and Primary Care Centre during daytime hours is a practical alternative.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

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.

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.

↗ Open Live Map