Patients in surrounding communities such as Delta or South Vancouver may also have access to other Lower Mainland hospitals depending on their location and the nature of their condition.
Richmond Hospital is the only hospital in Richmond, BC, operating a 24/7 Level 3 trauma centre emergency department that sees more than 50,000 patients annually. Located at 7000 Westminster Hwy, it serves Richmond and Delta residents as well as travellers passing through Vancouver International Airport and BC Ferries terminals. As a UBC-affiliated teaching hospital operated by Vancouver Coastal Health, the ER treats patients of all ages — including children — for major trauma, life-threatening conditions, and urgent medical needs, with transfer agreements in place for highly specialized care at Vancouver General Hospital, St. Paul's, BC Children's, and BC Women's Hospital.
Services & Specialties
Level 3 trauma centre emergency carePediatric and adult emergency servicesPsychiatric Assessment Unit (PAU) with Psychiatric Emergency UnitCardiologyNeurologyGastroenterologyRespiratory medicineRheumatologyGeriatricsInfectious diseasesMedical oncologyLabour and deliveryMaternity and gynecologyPediatricsNeonatal intensive care unit (NICU)CT scan, X-ray, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine, diagnostic mammographyBlood transfusion and IV antibiotic therapyRehabilitation servicesCast clinic and hand clinicEndoscopyOncology (chemotherapy) clinicDietetic counselling
Amenities
Starbucks in the main entrance atrium
Gift shop in the main entrance atrium
Cafeteria on the 2nd floor of the South Tower (open daily from 7:30 a.m., including statutory holidays)
Cafeteria menu includes hot breakfast, daily specials, sandwiches, pizza, paninis, soups, and grab-and-go options
Outdoor patio adjacent to the coffee shop
Ribbon Garden accessible via outdoor path
Several maintained gardens on hospital property
Adjacent to Minoru Park with walking paths and lakes
Parking & Transit
A multi-storey paid parking structure is located on the southwest corner of the hospital, accessible from Gilbert Road, with a second entrance off Granville Ave. The emergency department entrance is on Gilbert Road. Electric vehicle charging stations are available for patients, visitors, staff, and medical staff.
Richmond Hospital is at the corner of Westminster Highway and Gilbert Road. TransLink buses 401, 407, and 414 stop nearby. The Canada Line Richmond–Brighouse Station is three blocks east of the hospital, making it easily accessible from Vancouver and beyond.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be calmer at most urban ERs. If your situation allows flexibility, avoiding early evenings and weekends may result in shorter waits.
🔴 Busier times
No historical data is available to identify peak times at Richmond Hospital's ER. As a general rule, evenings between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. and weekend afternoons are typically the busiest periods at most large community emergency departments. Monday mornings can also be heavier as patients who waited through the weekend seek care.
Tips Before You Go
The emergency department entrance is on Gilbert Road — not the main hospital entrance. If driving, use the multi-storey parking structure accessed from Gilbert Road.
Richmond Hospital is the only hospital in Richmond, so the ER can be busy. If your condition is not life-threatening, consider whether a walk-in clinic in Richmond may be appropriate before making the trip.
Bring your BC Services Card (CareCard) and a government-issued photo ID, along with a complete list of your current medications and dosages to speed up your triage assessment.
Emergency doctors do not have access to your family doctor's records — only records from previous visits to Richmond Hospital are available. Bring any relevant medical history documents you have.
Patients are seen in order of medical urgency, not arrival time. Be prepared for a wait if your condition is stable, especially during peak evening and weekend hours.
Canada Line riders should exit at Richmond–Brighouse Station and walk three blocks west along Westminster Highway to reach the hospital.
What to Bring
BC Services Card (CareCard) or provincial health insurance card
Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport, etc.)
Complete list of current medications, including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical documents or specialist letters you have on hand
Method of payment for parking if arriving by car
Phone charger or entertainment for potential wait times
A support person or trusted contact's phone number
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Richmond Hospital the only emergency department in Richmond, BC?
Yes. Richmond Hospital is the only hospital in Richmond, BC, and its emergency department is the sole 24/7 emergency care facility serving Richmond and the surrounding Delta region, as well as travellers at Vancouver International Airport and BC Ferries.
Does Richmond Hospital's ER treat children?
Yes. The emergency department at Richmond Hospital provides care for patients of all ages, including children and youth under 18. The hospital also has a dedicated pediatrics unit and a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) as part of its broader Children's and Women's Health services.
What is the Psychiatric Assessment Unit at Richmond Hospital?
Richmond Hospital has a dedicated Psychiatric Assessment Unit (PAU) that includes a Psychiatric Emergency Unit for the short-term admission of patients in psychiatric crisis. This is supported by an inpatient psychiatry unit and outpatient psychiatry services on site.
What imaging services are available at Richmond Hospital's emergency department?
Diagnostic imaging at Richmond Hospital is provided through the Milan & Maureen Ilich Medical Imaging Centre, which offers CT scans, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, nuclear medicine, and diagnostic mammography — supporting timely diagnosis for emergency patients.
Where is the emergency department entrance at Richmond Hospital?
The emergency department entrance is located on Gilbert Road, on the southwest side of the hospital. Paid parking is available in the adjacent multi-storey structure, also accessed from Gilbert Road, with a secondary entrance off Granville Ave.
What happens if I need specialized care that Richmond Hospital cannot provide?
Richmond Hospital can handle most medical and surgical needs. For highly specialized care, the hospital has formal transfer agreements with Vancouver General Hospital, St. Paul's Hospital, BC Children's Hospital, and BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, ensuring patients are transferred safely when needed.
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.