Quieter times: Emergency departments in the Comox Valley region tend to be less busy during mid-morning on weekdays. If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, visiting between 8 a.m. and noon on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday may result in shorter waits.
Busier times: Emergency departments across the region are typically busiest on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and throughout weekends when family doctors' offices are closed. Holidays and long weekends also see increased volumes.
St. Joseph's General Hospital, located at 2137 Comox Ave in Comox, BC, has served the Comox Valley community for over a century as a cornerstone of healthcare in the region. The facility provided 24/7 emergency care to residents of Comox, Courtenay, Cumberland, and surrounding Vancouver Island communities. Patients requiring emergency services in the Comox Valley area are now served by North Island Hospital – Comox Valley, located at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, BC.
If you are seeking emergency care in the Comox Valley, proceed directly to North Island Hospital – Comox Valley at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, BC, which operates a 24-hour emergency department.
For life-threatening emergencies anywhere in the Comox Valley, always call 911 immediately rather than driving yourself.
North Island Hospital – Comox Valley offers a significantly expanded emergency department compared to older regional facilities, with full diagnostic and surgical services on site.
Free public Wi-Fi is available at the North Island Hospital – Comox Valley campus — connect to 'IslandHealthGuestWiFi' on your wireless device.
BC Ambulance Service operates throughout the Comox Valley; if you are unsure whether your situation is an emergency, call 8-1-1 to reach BC HealthLink for guidance from a registered nurse.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card (CareCard)
Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies and past medical conditions
Any relevant medical records, X-rays, or test results
Insurance information if you are from out of province or country
Phone charger or portable battery pack for wait times
Comfortable clothing and a light jacket, as waiting areas can be cool
Parking
No verified parking information is available for this site. Contact the facility directly or visit the North Island Hospital – Comox Valley campus at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, BC for emergency care and parking.
Getting There
BC Transit serves the Comox Valley region. Contact BC Transit directly for current route information near 2137 Comox Ave, Comox.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Joseph's General Hospital at 2137 Comox Ave still operating as an emergency department?
No. The St. Joseph's General Hospital site at 2137 Comox Ave is no longer an acute care hospital or emergency department. Emergency and hospital services for the Comox Valley are now provided at North Island Hospital – Comox Valley, located at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, BC.
Where should I go for emergency care in Comox or the Comox Valley?
For all emergency care needs in the Comox Valley, go to North Island Hospital – Comox Valley at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, BC. This facility operates a 24-hour emergency department with full diagnostic, surgical, and intensive care services.
What is the current use of the St. Joseph's site at 2137 Comox Ave?
The site is now home to Providence Living at The Views at St. Joseph's, a long-term residential care facility serving seniors and adults who can no longer live independently. It does not provide emergency or acute medical services.
What services does North Island Hospital – Comox Valley offer?
North Island Hospital – Comox Valley is a 153-bed regional hospital offering 24-hour emergency services, six operating rooms, intensive care, cardiopulmonary diagnostics, laboratory, pharmacy, orthopedic clinic, rehabilitation, and UBC academic teaching space.
How do I get to the nearest emergency department from Comox?
From Comox, head to North Island Hospital – Comox Valley at 101 Lerwick Road, Courtenay, BC. The drive from central Comox is approximately 10–15 minutes. In a life-threatening emergency, always call 911 for ambulance service.
Is there a virtual urgent care option for Comox Valley residents?
BC residents can access virtual health advice 24/7 by calling BC HealthLink at 8-1-1, where registered nurses can help assess your symptoms and direct you to the most appropriate level of care, including whether an emergency department visit is necessary.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
Something wrong on this page?
Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.