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St. Paul's Hospital Emergency Department in downtown Vancouver operates 24/7 as a Level 3 Trauma Centre and serves as British Columbia's primary referral centre for cardiac and renal patients. As a teaching hospital affiliated with UBC's Faculty of Medicine, it offers specialized care across heart and lung services, HIV/AIDS, mental health, substance use, kidney care, and critical care. It is the primary hospital for the Downtown Eastside community and sees patients from across BC and the Yukon, making it one of the most comprehensive acute care facilities in western Canada.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Level 3 Trauma Centre, Cardiac Care and Heart Transplant Program, Renal (Kidney) Care, Advanced Structural Heart Disease Program, Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Clinic, Atrial Fibrillation Clinic and Electrophysiology, HIV/AIDS Care and HIV Drug Treatment Program, Mental Health and Psychiatric Emergency Services, Geriatric Psychiatry and Tertiary Care, Substance Use and Addiction Medicine, Critical Care and ICU, Surgical Specialties, Digestive Health, Seniors' Care and Healthy Aging, Adult Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, Adult Bleeding Disorders Program of BC and Yukon, Allergy and Immunology, Diabetes Health Center, Indigenous Wellness and Reconciliation Program.
Amenities
Cafeteria (call 604-682-2344 for current hours)
Chapel
Underground Parkade (Impark Lot #199)
Indigenous Sacred Space
Family-friendly open visiting policy — no restricted hours for family members
Use the Comox Street entrance for vehicle patient drop-off — the Burrard Street entrance (beside ambulance parking) is for pedestrians only.
Arrive at least 30 minutes before any scheduled appointment to account for transit delays and parking, especially given the busy downtown Vancouver location.
Transit is strongly recommended — the hospital is near multiple bus routes and two SkyTrain stations, and downtown parking can be expensive and limited.
If you are being referred for cardiac or kidney care from elsewhere in BC, St. Paul's is the designated primary referral centre and is experienced in receiving inter-facility transfers.
The hospital's main number is 604-682-2344; to confirm a patient's presence or reach them directly, call 604-684-6532.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., BC Services Card or driver's licence)
BC CareCard or provincial health card
List of current medications, including dosages
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or test results
Insurance information if applicable (extended health or travel insurance)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Snacks and a water bottle for accompanying family members
Comfort items such as a book, headphones, or a blanket for extended waits
Frequently Asked Questions
Is St. Paul's Hospital a trauma centre?
Yes. St. Paul's Hospital is designated a Level 3 Trauma Centre and is also the primary referral centre for cardiac and renal patients across British Columbia and the Yukon.
Where is the emergency department entrance at St. Paul's Hospital?
The emergency department has pedestrian entrances off Burrard Street (beside the ambulance parking area) and on Comox Street. If arriving by vehicle, patient drop-off is at the Comox Street entrance only.
Does St. Paul's Hospital have restricted visiting hours?
No. Providence Health Care, which operates St. Paul's, does not restrict visiting hours for family members. Families — as defined by the patient — are welcome to be present at any time.
What specialized programs does St. Paul's ER support?
St. Paul's ER is backed by world-class in-hospital programs including cardiac and heart transplant services, kidney care, HIV/AIDS treatment, addiction medicine (including North America's largest addiction fellowship program), mental health, geriatric psychiatry, and the Pacific Adult Congenital Heart Clinic, among many others.
Is parking available at St. Paul's Hospital in downtown Vancouver?
Yes. There is an underground parkade (Impark Lot #199) with accessible disabled parking, a small open-air lot at Thurlow and Comox Streets, and metered parking along Burrard Street. Because the hospital is in dense downtown Vancouver, transit is strongly recommended when possible.
Is a new St. Paul's Hospital being built?
Yes. A new St. Paul's Hospital is currently under construction at False Creek Flats in Vancouver. The $2.174-billion facility is expected to open in 2027 and will feature up to 548 beds with advanced integrated health services. The current location at 1081 Burrard Street continues to operate fully in the meantime.