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Nats'oojeh Hospital and Health Centre — whose name means 'everyone healing' in the Dakelh language — serves Fort St. James and a surrounding rural population of approximately 300,000 people, including multiple First Nations communities across the region. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, offering a trauma bay, two treatment rooms, an ambulance bay, on-site laboratory, and diagnostic imaging to handle urgent and emergent care in this rural Northern BC community. As the primary hospital facility for the region, it is the appropriate destination for anyone experiencing a medical emergency within the Fort St. James area.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Trauma bay with ambulance bay, Diagnostic imaging (X-ray), Expanded on-site laboratory services, Inpatient acute care (9 beds), Long-term care (18 beds), Primary care clinic, Visiting specialist services, Mental health and addictions services, Substance-use supports, Palliative care, Home and community care, Public health services.
Amenities
Healing garden with culturally and medicinally significant landscaping
Spiritual Space and Gathering Space
Family kitchen
Common areas for dining and recreation
Multilingual wayfinding signage (English, Dakelh, and Carrier syllabics)
Outdoor areas designed with Indigenous Elders and plant experts
Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 before visiting if you are unsure whether your condition requires emergency care — registered nurses are available 24/7 to advise you.
If you are travelling from a remote community or reserve, plan your route in advance — the hospital is at 606 Stuart Dr E, Fort St. James, and road conditions in Northern BC can change seasonally.
The hospital serves patients from many First Nations communities; culturally safe care and multilingual signage in Dakelh and Carrier syllabics are available throughout the facility.
For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, difficulty breathing, or serious injury, call 9-1-1 immediately rather than driving to the hospital.
The ER accepts both walk-in patients and ambulance arrivals — if your condition is non-urgent, arriving earlier in the morning on weekdays may help you avoid peak periods.
What to Bring
BC Services Card or provincial health card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, including dosages
List of known allergies
BC First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) coverage card, if applicable
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or specialist notes
Warm clothing or a blanket — waiting areas can be cool
Snacks and water for a potentially extended wait
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Nats'oojeh Hospital and Health Centre?
Nats'oojeh Hospital and Health Centre is the regional hospital serving Fort St. James and the surrounding Northern BC communities. Its name means 'everyone healing' in the Dakelh language, chosen in collaboration with Elders from the Nak'azdli, Binche, Tl'azt'en, Yekooche, and Takla First Nations. The facility is operated by Northern Health and consolidates emergency care, acute inpatient care, long-term care, primary care, mental health services, laboratory, and diagnostic imaging under one roof.
Is the emergency department at Nats'oojeh Hospital open 24/7?
Yes. The emergency department at Nats'oojeh Hospital and Health Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. It accepts both walk-in patients and ambulance arrivals.
Does Nats'oojeh Hospital have a trauma centre?
The emergency department includes a dedicated trauma bay and ambulance bay, which allows staff to manage trauma cases on arrival. However, Nats'oojeh is a rural community hospital and does not hold a formal trauma centre designation. Patients requiring specialized trauma, cardiac, stroke, or pediatric services may need to be transferred to a larger regional centre such as University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George.
Is parking free at Nats'oojeh Hospital?
Yes. The hospital offers 85 surface parking stalls at no charge, consistent with Northern Health's rural facilities. Visitor parking is conveniently located near the main entrance at 606 Stuart Dr E, Fort St. James.
Does the hospital provide culturally safe care for First Nations patients?
Yes. Nats'oojeh Hospital was designed in partnership with local First Nations communities and Elders. The facility features multilingual wayfinding in English, Dakelh, and Carrier syllabics, a Spiritual Space, a Gathering Space, and outdoor healing areas with culturally significant plantings. Mental health, addictions, and community health services are also available on-site to support the diverse population the hospital serves.
What should I do if I'm not sure whether I need to go to the emergency department?
Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 before visiting. Registered nurses are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and can assess your symptoms and advise whether you need emergency care, can wait for a primary care appointment, or can manage your situation at home. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 9-1-1 immediately.