Vancouver General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Vancouver General Hospital

Vancouver General Hospital's Emergency Department is BC's largest adult emergency department, operating 24/7 as a Level 1 trauma centre at 899 W 12th Avenue in Vancouver. The 50-bed ED serves patients aged 17 and over, providing care for life-threatening illness, injury, overdose, trauma, stroke, cardiac emergencies, and complex acute conditions. As BC's primary tertiary and quaternary referral centre, VGH draws approximately 40% of its cases from outside Vancouver, offering specialized programs found nowhere else in the province.

Services & Specialties

Level 1 trauma centre, Stroke neurology (largest program in BC), Cardiac emergency care and complex cardiac surgery, Traumatic brain injury assessment and treatment, Burns treatment, Organ transplant services, Complex thoracic and aortic surgery, Advanced surgical oncology, Mental health and substance use emergency care, Overdose treatment, Sepsis management, Hyperbaric medicine, Complex spine surgery, Advanced plastic and peripheral nerve surgery, Kidney dialysis, Adult patients aged 17 and over only.

Amenities

• Sassafras Cafeteria: Mon–Fri 6:30am–7:00pm, Sat–Sun 7:30am–7:00pm, with outdoor patio seating
• Café Ami at Jim Pattison Pavilion main entrance: Mon–Fri 6:00am–9:30pm, Sat–Sun 7:00am–7:00pm
• Cafes in the Gordon and Leslie Diamond Health Care Centre
• Two 24-hour ATMs (Jim Pattison Pavilion 1st floor near Gift Shop, and 2nd floor near Sassafras Cafeteria)
• Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy in the Diamond Centre lobby (Mon–Sat)
• Nearby Shoppers Drug Mart at 885 West Broadway (open 8am–midnight, 7 days a week)
• Free Wi-Fi for patients and visitors throughout the hospital
• Charging stations in major lobbies
• Gift shop in the main lobby
• Spiritual care and multi-faith services
• Smoke-free campus

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 23 walk-in clinics in Vancouver →

Pharmacists in British Columbia can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• The ED entrance is at the corner of Laurel Street and West 10th Avenue — not on W 12th Ave. Allow extra time to navigate to the correct entrance, especially at night.
• VGH treats patients aged 17 and over only. If you are bringing a child aged 16 or under, go directly to BC Children's Hospital, located approximately 2.5 km south.
• VGH is BC's provincial referral centre for trauma, stroke, transplant, and complex surgery — if your condition is serious or complex, this is the right facility.
• Take the Canada Line to Broadway-City Hall Station for the fastest and most reliable transit option, especially during peak traffic hours on Broadway.
• Free parking coupon codes may be available through hospital administration for qualifying patients — ask at the information desk if you anticipate a lengthy stay.
• The Shoppers Drug Mart at 885 West Broadway (just steps from the campus) is open until midnight daily and can fill prescriptions after your ED visit.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (BC Services Card, driver's licence, or passport)
• BC CareCard or provincial health insurance card
• List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
• Any relevant medical history documents or referral letters
• Insurance information if applicable (out-of-province or international visitors)
• Phone charger or portable battery pack (charging stations are available)
• Snacks, water, and a warm layer — wait times may be lengthy
• A trusted contact's phone number in case you need someone notified

Frequently Asked Questions

About ER Wait Times

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.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.