Queen Charlotte Islands General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a general guide for small rural emergency departments, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy. If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, calling ahead at (250) 559-4506 may help you understand current volume.

Busier times: Small rural ERs can experience higher demand on weekends, evenings, and during local events or seasonal worker influxes from forestry camps. Monday mornings can also be busier as conditions that developed over the weekend present for care. For non-urgent issues, consider contacting the primary care centre during regular hours instead.

About Queen Charlotte Islands General Hospital

The Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre — Xaayda Gwaay Ngaaysdll Naay — serves as the primary hospital for Haida Gwaii, providing 24-hour emergency services to residents of Daajing Giids (Queen Charlotte), surrounding villages, and remote forestry camps across the archipelago. Opened in 2016 as a modern replacement for the original Queen Charlotte Islands General Hospital, the facility offers acute care, labour and delivery, residential care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and pharmacy services in a culturally significant building reflecting Haida Nation values and design. As a small rural hospital, patients with complex needs such as major trauma, cardiac emergencies, or advanced surgical conditions are typically stabilized and transferred to larger regional centres in Prince Rupert or further south.

Services & Specialties

24-hour emergency department, Physician triage by severity of condition, Acute care (8 beds), Labour, delivery and recovery suite, Residential care (8 beds), Diagnostic imaging, Laboratory services, Pharmacy, Primary care centre, Mental health and addictions programs, Home and community care services, Haida Gwaii Cancer Care Clinic (on-site), Public health programs, Ambulatory care.

Amenities

• Free WiFi
• Common and visiting area with television
• Large dining area
• In-hospital pharmacy
• Diagnostic imaging on site
• Laboratory services on site
• Pastoral services (available on occasion)
• Single-bed rooms with private washrooms
• Secure patio with ocean views

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

Pharmacists in British Columbia can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• Haida Gwaii is a remote island community — if you are travelling to the islands by ferry or plane, identify the hospital's location in Daajing Giids before you arrive in case of a medical emergency.
• Call the emergency line at (250) 559-4506 if you are unsure whether your situation requires an ER visit; staff can help guide you to the right level of care.
• For complex conditions such as suspected heart attack, major trauma, or advanced surgical needs, be prepared that you may be stabilized locally and then transferred to Prince Rupert or Vancouver for further treatment.
• The ER triages patients by severity — less urgent conditions will wait while critical cases are seen first. Bring something to read or download entertainment in case of a longer wait.
• The hospital reflects Haida cultural values and design; respectful conduct toward staff, patients, and the facility's Indigenous heritage is appreciated by the community.

What to Bring

• BC Services Card or provincial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, doses, and allergies
• Name and contact information for your family doctor or regular care provider
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Comfort items for a potential wait (water bottle, snack, phone charger)
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging if you have them
• Payment method for any applicable prescription or parking costs

Frequently Asked Questions

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. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.