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Royal Inland Hospital's Teck Emergency Department in Kamloops, BC is a 24/7 tertiary-level emergency and trauma centre — the only such facility in the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region, serving a catchment area of over 225,000 British Columbians. With more than 70,000 patient visits annually, 11 overlapping physician shifts daily, and a dedicated Trauma Team Leader on duty every day, this is the highest level of emergency care available in BC's southern interior. Patients requiring advanced specialty services such as neurology, cardiology, surgery, pediatrics, NICU, ICU, or complex trauma should come here rather than a smaller urgent care facility.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency and trauma care, Tertiary-level trauma response, Cardiology, General and specialty surgery, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Maternity, labour and delivery, Pediatrics and child/adolescent mental health, Neurology, Internal medicine, Mental health and substance-use inpatient care, Ambulatory psychiatry and elderly mental health, Respiratory therapy, Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, Rooftop helipad for air transport, Six ambulance stretcher bays, Minor treatment area with 14 exam rooms and 14 treatment chairs.
Amenities
Spiritual health services (clinically trained, all faiths welcome)
Spoken language interpreter services (available by phone)
ATM on site (confirm current location with hospital)
Fully digital health records (first fully digital hospital in Interior Health)
Visiting open 24/7 via main Gaglardi Tower entrance; sign in with Security after 8 p.m.
Kamloops Urgent Primary Care and Learning Centre (UPCC) in the Clinical Services Building
The Teck Emergency Department entrance is located at the roundabout near the old coffee shop — short-term parking for the ED is on the right side of the drive leading to this entrance.
If parking in the CSB Parkade, take the elevator to Level 2 and use the pedestrian bridge to reach the main hospital building.
After 8 p.m., all visitors must use the main Gaglardi Tower entrance and sign in with Security — plan for this if accompanying a patient.
For non-emergency health questions, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (available 24/7) to speak with a nurse before deciding whether to visit the ER.
RIH is a regional referral centre — patients transferred from smaller Interior Health facilities or arriving by air land at the rooftop helipad in the Gaglardi Tower. If self-presenting with a life-threatening emergency, go directly to the ED roundabout entrance.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card (CareCard)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Name and contact information for your family doctor or specialist
Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging if available
Emergency contact's name and phone number
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (hospitals can be cold)
Snacks, water, and entertainment for potential wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the emergency department entrance at Royal Inland Hospital?
The Teck Emergency Department entrance is located at the roundabout near the old coffee shop on the hospital grounds, off Columbia St. Short-term public parking for ED patients is on the right side of the drive leading to the entrance. The main Gaglardi Tower front doors face the CSB parkade and are used for general hospital access, not the ED.
Is Royal Inland Hospital a trauma centre?
Yes. RIH is the only tertiary acute care hospital in the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region and one of only two tertiary centres in Interior Health. It handles a large number of complex traumas annually. A dedicated Trauma Team Leader physician is on duty every day, and the hospital has a rooftop helipad for air transport of critically ill or injured patients.
Does RIH have mental health services in the emergency department?
Yes. A dedicated mental health and substance-use care area is part of the Teck ED's phased renovation plan. Additionally, RIH operates Hillside Centre, a 47-bed tertiary mental health facility, and provides inpatient mental health and substance-use services, ambulatory psychiatry, elderly mental health, and provincial Tertiary Neuropsychiatry Programs for patients across BC's southern interior.
How many patients does the Royal Inland Hospital ER see each year?
The Teck Emergency Department at Royal Inland Hospital treats over 70,000 patients annually, making it one of the busiest emergency departments in BC's interior. The department runs 11 overlapping physician shifts per day to manage this volume.
Is there a less urgent care option near Royal Inland Hospital if I don't need the ER?
Yes. The Kamloops Urgent Primary Care and Learning Centre (UPCC) is located in the Clinical Services Building (CSB) adjacent to Royal Inland Hospital. It is designed for patients who need prompt care but whose condition does not require a full emergency department. You can also call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 any time, day or night, to speak with a registered nurse about the right level of care for your situation.
What languages are supported at the Royal Inland Hospital emergency department?
Royal Inland Hospital provides spoken language interpreter services for patients with limited English proficiency. In most cases, interpreters are available by phone. All staff wear photo ID and can direct you to the appropriate support. If you require interpretation, inform the triage nurse when you arrive.