r.w. Large Memorial Hospital

Waglisla, BC · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

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Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Waglisla

Last updated: recently · View all British Columbia hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

The other hospital within the Central Coast Regional Hospital District is Bella Coola General Hospital; patients requiring a higher level of care may be referred to regional centres in Vancouver or elsewhere in BC.

Powell River General Hospital

Powell River · 361 km away

1h 11m

St. Mary's Hospital / Sechelt-Shishalh Hospital

Sechelt · 429 km away

2h 46m

Whistler Health Care Centre

Whistler · 427 km away

1h 6m

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

Parking & Transit

Free on-site parking is available for patients and visitors. The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Bella Bella is a remote island community on Campbell Island. Access is via BC Ferries or Pacific Coastal Airlines flights from Vancouver (via Port Hardy). Scheduled flights also connect Bella Bella Airport to Klemtu and Ocean Falls. No local municipal bus or transit service is available in Bella Bella.

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.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

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.

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.

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