Wrinch Memorial Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: As a small rural hospital, Wrinch Memorial typically experiences lighter patient volumes than urban ERs. Mid-morning on weekdays tends to be a relatively manageable time to visit for non-life-threatening concerns. Always call 8-1-1 first if your situation is not an emergency.

Busier times: Like most emergency departments, evenings and weekends can see higher demand. Visiting specialist clinic days may also increase overall hospital activity. For non-urgent issues, consider calling 8-1-1 or visiting a primary care provider when available.

About Wrinch Memorial Hospital

Wrinch Memorial Hospital is a rural community hospital located at 2510 Hwy 62 in Hazelton, BC, operated by Northern Health and serving a population of approximately 7,600 people across the Hazeltons and surrounding Indigenous communities. The emergency department is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing urgent and acute care supported by on-site diagnostic imaging, laboratory, and pharmacy services. Patients requiring highly specialized interventions such as advanced trauma, cardiac, or stroke care may be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional facility.

Services & Specialties

24/7 emergency care, Acute inpatient care (10 acute care beds), Complex care (10 beds), Intensive care, Maternity and obstetrics (midwifery-led), Mental health and addictions support, Psychiatric observation (secure room), Rehabilitation services, Convalescent care, Diagnostic imaging including ultrasound, On-site laboratory, Visiting specialist clinics: pediatrics, internal medicine, general surgery, cardiology, OB/GYN, rheumatology, gerontology, podiatry, Family medicine and emergency medicine, Occupational medicine and sports medicine, Pain medicine and addiction medicine, Diabetic education, Pre- and post-natal outreach programs, Public health services, Home and community care support, Indigenous Care Team (Mon–Fri, 8:30am–4:30pm), Spiritual care services, Advance care planning, BC Ambulance Services base station on campus.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy (privately operated)
• Dental clinic on site
• Outpatient clinic
• Laboratory
• Medical imaging unit including ultrasound
• Spiritual care services (individual visits, group meetings, music)
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• Free on-site parking

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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

• Call 8-1-1 (HealthLink BC) before visiting if you are unsure whether your condition requires emergency care — a registered nurse can advise you any time of day.
• If you or a family member are an Indigenous patient, ask to connect with the Indigenous Care Team, which provides cultural liaison, translation, and spiritual support on weekdays from 8:30am to 4:30pm.
• For serious emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe trauma, call 9-1-1 — the BC Ambulance base station is located directly on the hospital campus.
• The on-site pharmacy is privately operated and may have separate hours from the hospital itself; fill or refill prescriptions before arriving if possible for non-emergency visits.
• Patients needing highly specialized care such as cardiac intervention or advanced trauma may be transferred to a regional centre — bringing a list of your current medications and medical history will help speed this process.

What to Bring

• BC Services Card or provincial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications and dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Personal comfort items for a possible wait (water bottle, snack, warm layers)
• Phone charger or portable battery
• A trusted support person if possible, especially for elderly or Indigenous patients who may benefit from advocacy

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.