West Coast General Hospital

Port Alberni, BC · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

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Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Port Alberni

Last updated: recently · View all British Columbia hospitals →

Nearby Alternatives

Residents of Port Alberni with non-urgent health concerns may find shorter waits at local urgent care or walk-in clinics, and those in outlying communities such as Tofino or Ucluelet should be aware of transfer protocols for conditions requiring higher-level care beyond what a community hospital provides.

Powell River General Hospital

Powell River · 70 km away

1h 11m

St. Mary's Hospital / Sechelt-Shishalh Hospital

Sechelt · 79 km away

2h 46m

Ubc Hospital

Vancouver · 111 km away

1h 18m

About West Coast General Hospital

West Coast General Hospital is a 52-bed regional community hospital operated by Island Health, serving Port Alberni and surrounding communities including Tofino, Ucluelet, and Bamfield on Vancouver Island. The 24/7 Emergency Department — recently expanded by over 2,600 square feet — provides acute emergency care for life-threatening and serious conditions, backed by surgical, intensive care, and diagnostic services. Located on the traditional territory of the Tseshaht and Hupacasath First Nations, the hospital is committed to culturally safe, compassionate care for all patients.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department Acute care and inpatient services Intensive care unit (ICU) Emergency and elective surgical services Medical imaging and diagnostic services On-site laboratory services Specialist and outpatient consultations Emergency mental health care with secure seclusion room Stroke and cardiac emergency care Trauma and major injury care Pregnancy complication assessment Overdose and poisoning treatment Convalescent and rehabilitation services Sexual assault and relationship violence care (confidential, all ages and genders) Forensic sample collection (with consent) Chronic disease education and specialty outpatient clinics

Amenities

Parking & Transit

Ample free parking is available on-site at West Coast General Hospital, including designated accessible parking spaces. The facility is designed to accommodate patients and visitors with mobility challenges. For specific parking cost inquiries, contact the hospital directly at 250-731-1370.

BC Transit routes 1, 2, 3, and 4 all pass near the hospital. The dedicated 'West Coast Hospital' bus stop is approximately a one-minute walk from the entrance, making the facility convenient to reach by public transit from across Port Alberni.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (after the overnight rush and before midday) and early afternoon tend to be quieter periods at most community emergency departments. If your condition is not urgent, calling 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) first can help you decide whether the ER is the right option.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait data is available for West Coast General Hospital's ER. Like most ERs, evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher volumes. The department recorded over 25,700 visits in 2022, reflecting steady regional demand — plan for potential waits during peak periods.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Does West Coast General Hospital's ER serve patients from Tofino and Ucluelet?
Yes. West Coast General Hospital functions as the regional community hospital for a wide area of central Vancouver Island, including Tofino, Ucluelet, Bamfield, and surrounding communities — not just Port Alberni. Patients from these communities regularly use the ER for serious or emergency care.
Has the West Coast General Hospital Emergency Department been recently upgraded?
Yes. The ER was expanded by 244 square metres (2,626 square feet), adding three new patient exam beds, more space for patients awaiting test results, a secure seclusion room dedicated to emergency mental health care, an improved triage and admitting area, and a dedicated ambulance entrance.
Does West Coast General Hospital offer care for victims of sexual assault or relationship violence?
Yes. The hospital provides free, confidential health care for individuals of all ages and genders who have experienced sexual or relationship violence within the last seven days. This includes compassionate and culturally sensitive medical care, forensic sample collection (with your consent), and liaison with the legal system (with your consent). You are not required to involve police to access this care.
Is there a pharmacy on-site at West Coast General Hospital?
Yes. A pharmacy is located on-site at 3949 Port Alberni Highway. You can reach it directly at 250-724-8823.
Is free Wi-Fi available at West Coast General Hospital?
Yes. Free guest Wi-Fi is available throughout the hospital for patients and visitors. To connect, select the network 'IslandHealthGuestWiFi' on your device and follow the on-screen instructions.
What mental health emergency services does the West Coast General Hospital ER provide?
The expanded Emergency Department includes a secure seclusion room specifically designed for emergency mental health care, ensuring that patients in mental health crisis can be assessed and stabilized in a safe and appropriate environment. Mental health emergencies are treated with the same urgency as physical emergencies.

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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

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

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