Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 26+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
Victoria General Hospital in View Royal, BC serves as the primary regional trauma and acute care centre for Greater Victoria and over 700,000 residents across the Island Health region. Its 24/7 Emergency Department features 35 treatment bays, specialized isolation rooms, and a decontamination area, making it equipped for everything from major trauma to pandemic response. As the only hospital on southern Vancouver Island offering maternity services and the region's designated pediatric specialty hospital, VGH is where the most serious and complex cases across the island are directed.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (35 treatment bays), Level 1 Regional Trauma Centre (helicopter and ground transport intake), Maternity and Labour & Delivery (regional delivery centre), Pediatric specialty care (regional pediatric hospital), Neuroscience program (epilepsy, tumours, MS, Parkinson's disease), Regional Stroke Program and Stroke Rapid Assessment Unit, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), General surgery, Diagnostic imaging and laboratory services, Neuro-Rehabilitation (30 beds), Geriatric care (40-bed ward), Convalescent and rehabilitation services, Specialty outpatient clinics, Sexual and relationship violence care (all ages and genders, within 7 days of incident), Free Take Home Naloxone (Narcan) kits through the ED, Pandemic isolation and decontamination emergency infrastructure.
Amenities
Free guest WiFi — connect to 'IslandHealthGuestWiFi' and follow on-screen instructions
Vending machines available on-site for after-hours food and beverage access
After-hours main entrance access via intercom (entrance locked 9:00 p.m. – 5:30 a.m.)
Emergency Department entrance accessible at all hours
Bicycle lockers on site
Taxi loading bays on site
Contact hospital at 250-727-4212 for current cafeteria hours, ATM, pharmacy, and chapel details
VGH is the regional trauma centre — if you are arriving by ambulance with a major injury or stroke, you will likely be brought here directly from across Vancouver Island.
After 9:00 p.m., the main hospital entrance is locked. Emergency patients should go directly to the Emergency Department entrance, which is accessible at all hours without using the main intercom.
Bring coins or a credit card for parking — pay stations do not accept debit cards or Visa Debit, and no change is provided. Budget $1.50 per hour for the public short-term lot.
Free Take Home Naloxone (Narcan) kits are available through the ED for opioid users — no appointment needed.
If you or someone you know has experienced sexual or relationship violence within the last 7 days, VGH offers free, confidential care for individuals of all ages and genders — you can go directly to the ED.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., BC Services Card, driver's licence, passport)
BC CareCard or provincial health insurance information
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or imaging results
Provincial health number for any children or dependants you are accompanying
Coins or a credit card for parking (debit not accepted at pay stations)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Snacks and water, especially for non-critical visits where waits may be extended
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Victoria General Hospital the regional trauma centre for Vancouver Island?
Yes. VGH is the designated regional trauma centre serving approximately 350,000 residents in Greater Victoria and over 700,000 people across the Island Health authority region. Major trauma patients from across Vancouver Island are transferred here by helicopter or ambulance.
Does Victoria General Hospital have maternity and delivery services?
Yes. VGH is the only acute-care hospital on southern Vancouver Island offering maternity services and is the regional delivery centre for newborns. It is also the pediatric specialty hospital for the region.
What should I do if I arrive at VGH after 9:00 p.m.?
The main hospital entrance is locked between 9:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. If you are visiting a patient, press the intercom button to the right of the main doors. If you are coming for emergency care, go directly to the Emergency Department entrance, which remains accessible at all hours.
Can I get a Naloxone (Narcan) kit from the Victoria General Hospital Emergency Department?
Yes. Free Take Home Naloxone (Narcan) kits are available through the VGH Emergency Department for opioid users. These kits can be used to reverse the effects of overdoses from fentanyl, heroin, methadone, morphine, and oxycodone. No appointment is required.
How do I pay for parking at Victoria General Hospital?
VGH is a Pay-By-Plate facility with paid parking 24/7. Pay stations accept coins or credit card only — debit cards and Visa Debit are not accepted, and no change is provided. Short-term parking costs $1.50 per hour. You can also pay via HONK Mobile (Zone 701) or Pay By Phone (Zone 55701).
Which bus routes serve Victoria General Hospital?
BC Transit Route 14 (Vic General/Downtown) and Route 22 (Vic General/Hillside Centre) provide direct service to VGH. Additional routes serving the surrounding area include Routes 39, 47, 48, 51, 53, 61, and 65. HandyDART door-to-door service is also available for eligible passengers with disabilities.