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Surrey Memorial Hospital operates one of the busiest emergency departments in Canada, recording over 158,000 visits annually and serving Surrey and the broader Fraser Health region. As the second largest hospital in British Columbia, it offers a full spectrum of emergency services including a dedicated pediatric emergency department — the largest of its kind in Canada — along with cardiac, stroke, trauma, and critical care capabilities. Whether you are a local Surrey resident or referred from across the Fraser Valley, SMH provides a high level of acute care backed by specialist teams on site around the clock.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Adult Emergency Department, Pediatric Emergency Department (largest in Canada, open 24/7), Level IV Trauma Centre, Cardiac Care Unit with catheterization laboratory, Stroke care unit with thrombolysis (clot-busting therapy), Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Maternity and Labour & Delivery, Pediatric mental health emergency services, Psychiatric Assessment Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Stabilization Unit, Inpatient Psychiatry Unit, Interventional Radiology, Nuclear Medicine, Renal Dialysis and Hemodialysis, Oncology, Neurology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Palliative Care, Ophthalmology, Dental Surgery, Outpatient Rehabilitation, On-site Pharmacy, Medical Imaging (approx. 70,000 procedures/year), Helipad for air ambulance transport, Language interpretation services.
Parking is extremely scarce at SMH — with roughly 1% of stalls available at any time, plan to take the SkyTrain to Scott Road Station (5-minute walk) or use the Fraser Health shuttle from King George Station to avoid a long search.
If you are visiting with a child, use the pediatric emergency department's dedicated entrance — it has its own triage zone, private treatment rooms, and a specialist care team available 24/7, separate from the adult ER.
SMH is the busiest emergency department in BC, so wait times can be significant for non-life-threatening conditions. Consider whether a walk-in clinic or urgent care centre may be more appropriate for minor issues.
If you or a family member requires a language interpreter, let the triage nurse know immediately — interpretation services are available at no cost.
For dialysis patients or parents of children admitted overnight, report your vehicle licence plate at the registration desk to access free parking — this can save significant costs during a long stay.
A 15-minute free drop-off zone is available directly outside the ER and main entrance — use it to safely drop off a patient before finding parking or arranging a return pickup.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., BC Services Card, driver's licence)
BC CareCard or provincial health card number
List of current medications, doses, and allergies
Provincial health number or MSP information for billing
Emergency contact name and phone number
Any relevant medical records, imaging, or specialist letters if available
Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — ERs can be cold during long waits
Snacks, water, and entertainment (book, phone charger) for potentially long wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Surrey Memorial Hospital have a separate emergency department for children?
Yes. SMH is home to the largest pediatric emergency department in Canada and the first located outside a dedicated children's hospital. It has its own entrance, triage zone, private treatment rooms with family space, a dedicated pediatric mental health area, and a specialist care team on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What level of trauma care does Surrey Memorial Hospital provide?
SMH holds a Level IV Trauma Designation, meaning it is equipped to provide advanced trauma life support and stabilization. Patients who require a higher level of trauma intervention or neurosurgery are transferred to Royal Columbian Hospital, which serves as the regional trauma centre.
Can Surrey Memorial Hospital treat stroke patients?
Yes. SMH has a dedicated stroke care unit with trained staff and established clinical protocols. It can administer clot-busting medications (thrombolysis) for eligible stroke patients. Patients who need mechanical clot removal (thrombectomy) or neurosurgery are transferred to Royal Columbian Hospital.
Is parking available at Surrey Memorial Hospital's emergency department?
Paid parking is available on site, but demand is extremely high — Fraser Health reports that on average only about 1% of the approximately 2,151 stalls are vacant throughout the day. A free 15-minute drop-off and pick-up zone is located directly outside the ER. Patients and visitors are strongly encouraged to use the SkyTrain (Scott Road Station, Expo Line) or the Fraser Health shuttle from King George Station when possible.
Does Surrey Memorial Hospital have cardiac catheterization services on site?
Yes. SMH has an established cardiac catheterization laboratory offering interventional cardiology services, including coronary angiography and minimally invasive cardiac interventions. The hospital also has a 27-bed Cardiac Care Unit with telemetry, staffed by on-site cardiologists and high-acuity trained nursing staff.
How many emergency visits does Surrey Memorial Hospital receive each year?
Surrey Memorial Hospital's emergency department sees more than 158,000 patient visits per year, making it one of the busiest — and by some measures the busiest — emergency department in British Columbia and among the busiest in all of Canada. The ER has over 100 single-patient rooms and can hold six ambulances in a secure garage.