r.w. Large Memorial Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a small community hospital, the ED tends to be less congested than urban centres. For non-life-threatening concerns, weekday mornings are generally a good time to seek care at smaller rural emergency departments.

Busier times: No historical wait data is available. As with most emergency departments, evenings and weekends may see increased visits. Always call 9-1-1 for life-threatening emergencies regardless of time of day.

About r.w. Large Memorial Hospital

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)
• X-ray / radiology services
• Telehealth facilities
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Free on-site parking
• Indigenous Patient Navigator support

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

• 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

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.