Cape Breton Regional Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Cape Breton Regional

Cape Breton Regional Hospital in Sydney, Nova Scotia is the regional trauma and tertiary care referral centre for all of Cape Breton Island, offering one of the most comprehensive emergency departments in Atlantic Canada. The 24/7 emergency department features 36 dedicated beds and on-site access to CT scanning, X-ray, and ultrasound without patients ever needing to leave the department. Patients with serious or complex conditions — including cardiac emergencies, trauma, cancer care, and mental health crises — are well served here, as the hospital houses the second-largest ICU in Nova Scotia.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department (36 ER beds), Trauma and tertiary care, Intensive Care Unit (ICU) — second largest in Nova Scotia, Coronary Care Unit (CCU), Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU), Heart Function Clinic, Cape Breton Cancer Centre, Mental health and addictions inpatient unit (52 beds), Surgical services including orthopedic surgery, Maternal and Newborn Services, Palliative care (9 beds), CT scan, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasound, Echocardiogram and bone density scanning, Blood collection services, Diabetes services, Chronic pain services, COPD outreach program, EHS LifeFlight helipad access.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (on site — contact hospital for current hours)
• Two ATMs — one near the main entrance, one outside the cafeteria
• Chapel near the main entrance
• Designated family rooms on multiple units
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the facility
• Security-staffed main entrance
• Patient switchboard: 902-564-5566

Other Care Options

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

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

Tips Before You Go

• Emergency patients at Cape Breton Regional can access CT scans, X-rays, and ultrasound directly from within the ER — no need to be transferred to another area of the hospital, which can speed up your care.
• Mental health crisis support is available 24/7 by phone at 902-429-8167 or toll-free 1-888-429-8167 — calling first may save you a trip to the ER for a mental health concern.
• Check the Nova Scotia Health website for online ED wait time estimates before leaving home, so you can plan your visit more effectively.
• Bring $3 in cash or coins for parking, and note that the front entrance drop-off area has a strict 20-minute limit — arrange for your driver to use the main parking lots if they plan to wait.
• The hospital is a teaching facility affiliated with Dalhousie University's Faculty of Medicine, so you may be seen by supervised medical residents or students as part of your care team.

What to Bring

• Provincial health card (Nova Scotia Health Card / CCP card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• OHIP or out-of-province insurance details if applicable
• Phone charger or a book — waits can vary
• A support person if possible, especially for complex or serious concerns

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 Nova Scotia health data. Actual wait times may vary.

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