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Shuswap Lake General Hospital is a 43-bed Level 2 community hospital in Salmon Arm, BC, operated by Interior Health Authority and serving a wide corridor including Chase, Enderby, Sicamous, and Sorrento. The 24/7 emergency department handles a broad range of urgent and emergent cases, supported by on-site surgical, obstetrics, intensive care, oncology, medical imaging, and laboratory services. Patients with complex or high-acuity needs may be transferred to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or Kelowna General Hospital for specialized care.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, General Surgery, Dental Surgery, Urology Surgery, Obstetrics, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Oncology / Cancer Care, Palliative Care, Medical Imaging, On-site Laboratory Services, ECG Services, Mental Health Services, Public Health Services.
Amenities
On-site pharmacy (Shuswap Lake General Hospital Pharmacy, 250-803-4540)
Wheelchair accessible entrances on Level 3 and Level 4
Bring your BC Services Card (CareCard) and any doctor's requisitions, especially if visiting the lab or ECG services.
For non-life-threatening concerns, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 first — a registered nurse can advise whether an ER visit is necessary.
The hospital serves a large regional catchment area; the ER can be busier during evenings and weekends when family physicians' offices are closed.
If you are travelling from Sicamous, Enderby, or Chase, plan for potential wait times and bring snacks, water, and phone chargers for longer stays.
Complex or high-acuity cases may require transfer to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops — be prepared for the possibility if your condition is serious.
What to Bring
BC Services Card (CareCard) or provincial health insurance card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications including dosages
Any relevant doctor's referrals or requisitions
Provincial health number and personal health information
Phone charger or portable battery
Snacks and water for potential wait times
Warm layer or blanket, as ER waiting areas can be cool
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the emergency department hours at Shuswap Lake General Hospital?
The emergency department at Shuswap Lake General Hospital in Salmon Arm is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including all statutory holidays.
What communities does Shuswap Lake General Hospital serve?
The hospital serves a wide regional area including Salmon Arm, Celista, Scotch Creek, Sicamous, Sorrento, Enderby, and Chase, making it the primary emergency facility for much of the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region.
Is there parking at Shuswap Lake General Hospital?
Yes, parking is free and plentiful. Accessible parking is available at both the Level 4 main entrance and the Level 3 entrance off 10th St NE. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible.
Does Shuswap Lake General Hospital have a pharmacy?
Yes, there is an on-site pharmacy located at 601 10th Street NE. You can reach the pharmacy directly at 250-803-4540.
What happens if my condition is too serious for this hospital to treat?
For complex or higher-acuity cases beyond the hospital's resources, patients are typically transferred to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or Kelowna General Hospital, both of which offer expanded specialist and trauma services.
Can I get lab work and ECG done at Shuswap Lake General Hospital?
Yes, on-site laboratory services and ECG are available. Patients should bring their doctor's requisition and BC Services Card (CareCard) when attending for these services.