Residents of Cape Breton Island may also access emergency care at other Nova Scotia Health facilities in the Cape Breton area, including Glace Bay Hospital, New Waterford Consolidated Hospital, and Northside General Hospital, which are part of the same four-hospital regional complex.
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 and a Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (36 ER beds)Trauma and tertiary careIntensive Care Unit (ICU) — second largest in Nova ScotiaCoronary Care Unit (CCU)Intermediate Care Unit (IMCU)Cardiac Catheterization LabHeart Function ClinicCape Breton Cancer CentreMental health and addictions inpatient unit (52 beds)Surgical services including orthopedic surgeryMaternal and Newborn ServicesPalliative care (9 beds)CT scan, MRI, X-ray, and ultrasoundEchocardiogram and bone density scanningBlood collection servicesDiabetes servicesChronic pain servicesCOPD outreach programEHS 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
Parking & Transit
Parking lots are available at the front, back, and side of the hospital, as well as a newer lot along Hospital Boulevard. The fee is $3 per visit. A patient pick-up and drop-off area is located at the front entrance, with a 20-minute limit to keep access clear. Accessible and wheelchair-accessible parking spaces are available on site.
Cape Breton Regional Hospital on George Street is served by Transit Cape Breton (CBRM Transit). Use the Transit App or Google Maps to plan your trip. For current route information, call Transit Cape Breton at 902-539-8124.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. As a general guide, weekday mornings between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. tend to be quieter at most hospital ERs. Arriving early in the day before the afternoon and evening rush builds up is often a practical strategy.
🔴 Busier times
Without historical data, we recommend avoiding typical peak periods: weekday evenings from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. when patients arrive after work, and weekend afternoons and evenings when urgent care volumes tend to surge. Holidays and Monday mornings after long weekends are also traditionally busy times at regional ERs.
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
Is Cape Breton Regional Hospital's emergency department open 24/7?
Yes, the emergency department at Cape Breton Regional Hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays.
Does Cape Breton Regional Hospital have CT, MRI, and X-ray available in the ER?
Yes. Emergency patients have direct access to CT scanning, X-ray, and ultrasound without leaving the emergency department. MRI is also available on site for admitted patients and referrals.
Is Cape Breton Regional Hospital equipped to handle serious trauma and cardiac emergencies?
Yes. The hospital is the designated regional trauma and tertiary care centre for Cape Breton Island. It has a Cardiac Catheterization Lab for diagnosing and treating conditions like blocked arteries, as well as the second-largest ICU in Nova Scotia and a Coronary Care Unit.
What mental health emergency services are available at Cape Breton Regional Hospital?
The hospital has 52 dedicated mental health and addictions inpatient beds. If you are in a mental health crisis, you can also call the 24/7 crisis line at 902-429-8167 or toll-free at 1-888-429-8167 before visiting the ER.
How much does parking cost at Cape Breton Regional Hospital?
Parking is $3 per visit. Lots are available at the front, back, and side of the building, as well as along Hospital Boulevard. A 20-minute drop-off zone is available at the main entrance. Accessible parking spaces are on site.
Is Cape Breton Regional Hospital a teaching hospital?
Yes. Cape Breton Regional Hospital is an affiliated teaching site for the Faculty of Medicine at Dalhousie University in Halifax. Patients may be cared for by supervised medical residents or students as part of their treatment team.
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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.