No other hospitals within 100 km. If non-urgent, consider calling 811 or seeing a pharmacist.
Before you go, check if a pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 26+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital (formerly R.W. Large Memorial Hospital) is a 24/7 acute, continuing care, and emergency facility located at 88 Waglisla St in Bella Bella, BC, serving the remote Central Coast communities including Heiltsuk Nation, Kitasoo/Xai'xais Nation in Klemtu, and Wuikinuxv Nation along Rivers Inlet. The 3-bed emergency department provides triage-based priority care, meaning the most critically ill or injured patients are seen first regardless of arrival order. Operated by Vancouver Coastal Health in partnership with Heiltsuk Nation, this hospital is a vital resource for a remote island community, and patients with complex cardiac, stroke, major trauma, or pediatric emergencies may require transfer to a larger regional centre.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency department (3 beds), Acute inpatient care (6 beds), Continuing care (7 beds), Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging / X-ray, Telehealth and virtual care, Visiting specialist programs (1,800+ consults/year), Mental health support programs, Indigenous Patient Navigator services, On-site pharmacy (inpatient and outpatient), Ambulance services, Medical clinic.
Amenities
On-site pharmacy (acute care, inpatient and outpatient)
Bella Bella is a remote island community — if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack, stroke, or major trauma, call 9-1-1 immediately, as you may require air transfer to a larger facility.
Bring your BC Services Card (CareCard), photo ID, a complete list of current medications, and any MOST (Medical Orders of Scope of Treatment) forms when visiting the ED.
Emergency doctors at this hospital can only access records from previous visits to this facility — your family doctor's records are not available in the ED, so be prepared to describe your full medical history.
The hospital offers Indigenous Patient Navigator services to help patients and families navigate care while respecting local cultural traditions and protocols — ask staff about this support if needed.
If you require specialist care, the hospital coordinates visiting specialist programs and telehealth consultations, so speak with ED staff about referral options for non-emergency follow-up.
What to Bring
BC Services Card (CareCard) or provincial health insurance card
Government-issued photo ID
Complete list of current medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
Medical Orders of Scope of Treatment (MOST) form, if you have one
List of known allergies
Contact information for your family doctor or regular care provider
Any relevant medical devices (e.g., CPAP machine, hearing aids)
Warm clothing and snacks — wait times can vary and the community is remote
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the new name of R.W. Large Memorial Hospital?
R.W. Large Memorial Hospital has been officially renamed ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital. The new name means 'a place for sick people' in Haíɫzaqvḷa, the Heiltsuk language, and reflects the hospital's deep partnership with Heiltsuk Nation and Vancouver Coastal Health.
Does the Bella Bella hospital emergency department operate 24/7?
Yes, the emergency department at ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It operates with triage-based priority, meaning the most critically ill or injured patients are treated first.
What happens if I need care beyond what the Bella Bella hospital can provide?
As a small remote community hospital, ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital may need to transfer patients with complex cardiac, stroke, major trauma, or pediatric emergencies to a larger regional centre. Transfers may be arranged by air or ferry depending on the situation and urgency.
Are there specialist doctors available at this hospital?
While the hospital does not have specialists permanently on-site, it supports over 1,800 specialty and therapy consults per year through visiting specialist programs, telehealth, and virtual care services. Mental health support programs are also available.
Is there an Indigenous Patient Navigator at ƛ̓uxválásu̓ilas Heiltsuk Hospital?
Yes. The hospital offers Indigenous Patient Navigator services, providing direct support to patients and families while respecting local traditions, cultural protocols, and practices to ensure culturally safe health care.
How do I get to the hospital in Bella Bella if I'm travelling from outside the community?
Bella Bella is accessible by BC Ferries or by air via Pacific Coastal Airlines from Vancouver (connecting through Port Hardy). Scheduled flights also operate between Bella Bella Airport, Klemtu, and Ocean Falls. There is no local municipal transit — most travel within the community is by foot or private vehicle.