Upper River Valley Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Upper River Valley Hospital

Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, New Brunswick is the primary regional emergency department serving a catchment area of approximately 45,000 residents, including the communities of Woodstock, Hartland, and surrounding Carleton County. The 24/7 emergency department is supported by 7 medical specialties and is staffed by over 45 physicians, making it a comprehensive acute care destination for patients from Grand Falls to Nackawic. Operated by Horizon Health Network, URVH is a teaching hospital and Canada's first full-service hospital recognized as a leader in energy and environmental design.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Emergency care supported by 7 specialties, Obstetrics and labour & birth services, Total Knee Replacement Surgery (Arthroplasty), Dialysis (20-patient unit), Cancer care, Addiction and mental health services, Extra-Mural in-home health care program, Acute, in-patient, and out-patient services, Medical education and residency programs (Dalhousie LICD).

Amenities

• Free patient and family Wi-Fi (provided through Horizon Health and hospital Foundations)
• Dr. F. S. Goodine Medical Education Centre (first floor)
• Wheelchair accessible facility
• On-site parking ($2 per visit)

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Upper River Valley Hospital is the only full-service regional hospital between Fredericton and Edmundston — for serious emergencies west of Fredericton, this is your closest major ER.
• As a teaching hospital, you may be assessed or treated by Dalhousie medical residents or students as part of your care team — this is normal and reflects the hospital's high level of clinical activity.
• If you are coming from Route 2, take Exit 172 at Hartland and follow the green 'H' hospital signs — the entrance is less than ¼ km from the highway.
• Labour and birth services are available on site, but confirm availability in advance by calling 506-375-5900, as obstetric services can be subject to staffing availability.
• If you have a non-urgent concern, consider whether your condition can wait for a family physician or walk-in clinic visit — saving ER resources for acute cases helps reduce wait times for everyone.

What to Bring

• Provincial health card (New Brunswick Medicare card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, including dosages
• Any relevant medical history documents or referral letters
• Provincial drug plan or private insurance card
• Emergency contact information
• Phone charger or portable battery (free Wi-Fi is available)
• Snacks, water, and comfort items for potential wait times

Frequently Asked Questions

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Visit length figures represent total time in the emergency department from arrival to discharge, sourced from NB Health. Actual times may vary.

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