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Port Hardy Hospital is a 12-bed acute care community hospital located at the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island, serving Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Coal Harbour, and surrounding North Island communities. The Emergency Department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing immediate care for urgent and life-threatening conditions, with patients triaged and seen by a physician based on the severity of their condition. As the primary hospital for this remote region, it offers a broad range of on-site services including emergency obstetrics, medical imaging, laboratory, and visiting specialists, while patients requiring advanced specialized care may be transferred to facilities in Campbell River or the Comox Valley.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care (12 beds), Emergency Obstetrics, Laboratory Services, General X-ray, Ultrasound, Mobile CT Diagnostic Services, Ambulatory / Outpatient Services, Adult In- and Out-patient Rehabilitation, Residential Care, Palliative Care, Medical Detox, Aboriginal Health Services, Mental Health and Substance Use Services, Home Health and Home Support, Visiting Specialists.
Port Hardy Hospital is the only 24/7 emergency facility on the far North Island — if you are travelling from Port McNeill or Port Alice, plan travel time accordingly, especially in winter weather conditions.
Patients requiring specialized care such as cardiac, advanced trauma, or pediatric specialty services may be transferred to Campbell River or Comox Valley — ask staff about the Island Health patient shuttle if you need to arrange travel.
The ER uses a triage system: you will be seen based on the severity of your condition, not the order of arrival. Arriving with a life-threatening emergency will always take priority.
Call ahead at 250-902-6011 to ask about on-site amenities such as food services or pharmacy availability before your visit, as this is a small community hospital with limited on-site retail services.
For non-emergency health concerns in the North Island area, consider contacting Island Health's home health or mental health and substance use services to determine the most appropriate care pathway before attending the ER.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications and dosages
Any relevant medical history or previous test results
Emergency contact information
Personal comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snack, warm layer)
Payment method for any applicable fees or prescriptions
Insurance information if applicable (e.g., out-of-province or travel insurance)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Port Hardy Hospital's Emergency Department open 24 hours?
Yes, Port Hardy Hospital's Emergency Department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays, serving the North Island region with continuous emergency care.
What communities does Port Hardy Hospital serve?
Port Hardy Hospital is the primary acute care facility for the North Island region, serving Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Port Alice, Coal Harbour, and surrounding communities on the northeastern tip of Vancouver Island.
Does Port Hardy Hospital offer maternity or obstetrics services?
Yes, Port Hardy Hospital provides emergency obstetrics services. Renovations to the maternity and emergency departments have been planned or underway as part of broader upgrades supported by BC Ministry of Health funding.
What imaging and diagnostic services are available at Port Hardy Hospital?
Port Hardy Hospital offers on-site general X-ray, ultrasound, and a full medical laboratory. Mobile CT diagnostic services have also been deployed to the region to expand diagnostic capabilities.
What happens if I need specialized care that Port Hardy Hospital cannot provide?
Patients requiring advanced specialized care — such as cardiac, trauma surgery, or pediatric specialty services — may be referred or transferred to larger facilities such as Campbell River Hospital or facilities in the Comox Valley. Island Health operates daily patient shuttles between Port Hardy, Port McNeill, Campbell River, and the Comox Valley.
How do I get to Port Hardy Hospital by transit?
BC Transit routes #1, #11, and #12 serve the hospital area at 9120 Granville Street in Port Hardy. Contact BC Transit for current schedules and stop information relevant to your location.