Residents in outlying Northern BC communities who cannot reach UHNBC quickly may have access to smaller regional hospitals or health centres in their area, though complex or trauma cases will typically be transferred to UHNBC as the regional referral centre.
University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC), formerly Prince George Regional Hospital, is the largest acute care facility in Northern BC and a Level III trauma centre serving approximately 300,000 residents across a region of over 600,000 square kilometres. Located at 1475 Edmonton Street in Prince George, it functions as the primary regional referral hub for specialized services including emergency care, cardiac programs, surgery, intensive care, and the only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Northern BC. Patients requiring advanced trauma care, complex diagnostics, or specialist consultation from across northern British Columbia are directed here.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency departmentLevel III trauma centreIntensive Care Unit (ICU)Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) — only in Northern BCCardiac programsGeneral and specialized surgeryAdult psychiatric unitMental health servicesMedical imaging: X-ray, ultrasound, CT, and MRILaboratory diagnosticsChronic kidney disease clinicDiabetes education centrePrenatal and maternal-child careSexual assault emergency care (ages 13+, forensic collection up to 72 hours)Rehabilitation and convalescent careIndigenous health servicesSocial work and spiritual careAmbulatory care and specialty outpatient clinics
Amenities
Cafeteria open weekends
Tim Hortons on site
Learning and Development Centre with library and seminar rooms
Clinical simulation centre
Video-conferencing and group study facilities
ATM, pharmacy, chapel, and Wi-Fi availability not confirmed — call 250-565-2000 to verify
Parking & Transit
Hospital parking is $8 per day; payment meters are inside the main entrance and require your licence plate number. Angle parking is also available along Edmonton Street. Two-hour free parking is available in designated areas near the hospital. On surrounding streets in the Hospital Zone, paid parking is available via the HotSpot app at $1/hour or $7 for a full day.
UHNBC is directly accessible by Prince George Transit (BC Transit), with a dedicated 'Hospital' bus stop. Adult fares are $2.50; seniors and students pay $2.00; children under 4 ride free. HandyDART dial-a-ride service is available for pre-registered individuals with disabilities who cannot use regular transit.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
If your condition is not life-threatening, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at most Canadian hospital emergency departments. Early mornings before 8 a.m. can also see shorter waits. Check real-time wait estimates on this page before heading in.
🔴 Busier times
Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and weekends as walk-in clinics and family doctor offices are closed. Evenings between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. are generally the busiest period of any given day. As a major regional referral centre, UHNBC's ED can be especially busy when patients are transferred in from communities across Northern BC.
Tips Before You Go
UHNBC is the only Level III trauma centre in Northern BC — if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency anywhere in the region, this is where you will likely be referred.
The ED operates on a triage system; patients with less urgent concerns may wait longer as more critical cases are prioritized. Bring something to read or entertainment for potentially lengthy waits.
If you are visiting from a remote community in Northern BC, confirm any specialist appointment details in advance by calling 250-565-2000 to avoid unnecessary trips.
Parking is $8/day in the main lot — bring your licence plate number to the payment meter inside the main entrance. If staying long-term, the HotSpot app for street parking at $7/day may save money.
Sexual assault patients aged 13 and older can receive free, confidential emergency medical care including forensic sample collection (up to 72 hours post-assault), STI testing, and pregnancy testing — staff can be requested directly through the ER.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport)
BC Services Card or provincial health card
List of current medications and dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or imaging from other facilities
Emergency contact information
Snacks, water, and entertainment for potential wait times
Comfort items if accompanying a child or staying for an extended visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is UHNBC still called Prince George Regional Hospital?
No. The hospital was officially renamed University Hospital of Northern British Columbia (UHNBC) to reflect its role as a teaching hospital. It is located at the same address — 1475 Edmonton Street, Prince George — and can be reached at 250-565-2000.
Does UHNBC have a NICU for newborns?
Yes. UHNBC is home to the only Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Northern British Columbia, housed within its state-of-the-art maternal-child care centre. Families across the north with premature or critically ill newborns are referred here.
Is UHNBC a trauma centre?
Yes. UHNBC is a Level III trauma centre and the primary referral hospital for trauma patients across a region spanning over 600,000 square kilometres. It serves approximately 300,000 residents of Northern BC.
Does the Prince George hospital offer emergency care for sexual assault survivors?
Yes. UHNBC provides free, confidential emergency medical care to sexual assault patients aged 13 and older. Forensic sample collection is available up to 72 hours after an assault, along with STI testing, pregnancy testing, and medical follow-up. You can request this service through the emergency department.
Is UHNBC a teaching hospital?
Yes. UHNBC is a teaching hospital supporting the Northern Medical Program — a joint initiative between the UBC Faculty of Medicine and the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC). It trains doctors, residents, nurses, and health sciences students from multiple institutions.
What is the $1.58 billion expansion at UHNBC?
In 2024, a major Acute Care Tower expansion was approved for UHNBC, with procurement beginning in 2025. The project aims to add 211 beds and significantly enhance surgical, cardiac, and mental health services, further expanding the hospital's capacity to serve Northern BC.
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.