Patients in Cumberland County who require services not available locally may be directed to hospitals in Truro, Halifax, or Moncton depending on their care needs.
Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre (CRHCC) is a 24/7 regional hospital serving Amherst, Cumberland County, and surrounding Nova Scotia communities. As one of Nova Scotia's nine regional hospitals, it provides a full-service emergency department alongside intensive care, surgical suites, obstetrics, cancer care, and a broad range of specialist services. Residents of the Amherst area who require emergency care, inpatient treatment, or specialty consultations are served by this facility.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency department5-bed intensive care unit (ICU)3 operating suites — general and specialty surgeryLabour, delivery, and obstetrics & gynecologyPediatric care wardDiagnostic imagingLaboratory and blood collectionRespiratory therapyCardiologyEndocrinologyENT (ear, nose, and throat)GeriatricsInternal medicineNephrologyNeurologyCancer care (on-site; some treatments referred to Halifax, Truro, or Moncton)Palliative care unitRehabilitation servicesChronic pain and ambulatory careCommunity Mental Health and Addictions (outpatient)24/7 mental health mobile crisis lineEarly Mobility Program (patients 65+)Renal dialysis unit (planned, expected 2027)
Amenities
Crema Coffee Shop (on-site)
Treats and Treasures Gift Shoppe (on-site)
ATM/banking machine at main entrance
Change machines in main lobby and ER waiting area
Spiritual space/chapel (main floor, between ICU and ER)
Family and quiet rooms throughout the building
Free public WiFi
Cafeteria (on-site; hours not confirmed — verify on arrival)
Gardens visible from all patient rooms including ICU
Natural-light corridor throughout the building
Parking & Transit
Parking at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre is free of charge. The facility is wheelchair accessible. The emergency department has its own dedicated entrance on the main level.
Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre is located off Highway 104 in Upper Nappan, near Amherst. No dedicated public transit routes have been confirmed for this location. Patients travelling without a vehicle are advised to contact the Town of Amherst or NS Health directly to confirm available transportation options before their visit.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. In general, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be quieter in most Canadian emergency departments. Checking the Nova Scotia Health live ED wait times page before you leave can help you time your visit.
🔴 Busier times
Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, weekend evenings, and holidays when other healthcare options are closed. Without specific historical data for CRHCC, visiting during these periods may mean longer waits. Use the NS Health live wait times tool to check current volumes before heading in.
Tips Before You Go
Check estimated ER wait times before leaving home — Nova Scotia Health posts live ED wait times at nshealth.ca so you can plan your arrival.
The emergency department has its own dedicated entrance on the main level — look for ER signage rather than using the main hospital entrance to save time.
If you or a family member is 65 or older, ask about the Early Mobility Program, which helps patients maintain strength during a hospital stay.
For mental health or addiction crises, the 24/7 mobile crisis line (902-429-8167 or 1-888-429-8167) can provide immediate phone support before or instead of an ER visit.
Some cancer treatments may be referred to the QEII Cancer Centre in Halifax, Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, or Moncton — ask your care team about what is available on-site versus referred.
What to Bring
Nova Scotia health card (NS CCP card or provincial health card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral documents
Provincial drug insurance or private benefits card
Phone charger or portable battery pack for the waiting room
Change for vending machines (change machines are available in the lobby and ER waiting area)
Comfortable clothing and a book or entertainment for potential wait times
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the emergency department entrance at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre?
The emergency department is located on the main level of the hospital and has its own dedicated entrance. Look for ER signage rather than using the main hospital entrance — this will get you to triage faster.
Does Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre have specialist doctors on-site?
Yes. CRHCC offers on-site specialist services including cardiology, endocrinology, ENT, general surgery, geriatrics, internal medicine, nephrology, neurology, and obstetrics & gynecology, making it one of the most comprehensive facilities in the region.
Is there a mental health crisis service available through the hospital?
Yes. Community Mental Health and Addictions services are available through the hospital. A 24/7 mental health mobile crisis phone line is also available at 902-429-8167 or toll-free at 1-888-429-8167 for immediate support without an ER visit.
Is parking free at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre?
Yes, parking is free for patients and visitors. The facility is also wheelchair accessible. Change machines are available in the main lobby and in the ER waiting area for vending machines.
Can I get cancer treatment at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre in Amherst?
CRHCC does provide cancer care services on-site. However, depending on the type of treatment required, patients may be referred to the QEII Cancer Centre in Halifax, Colchester East Hants Health Centre in Truro, or a facility in Moncton. Your care team will advise on what is available locally.
Is there a dialysis unit at Cumberland Regional Health Care Centre?
A permanent renal dialysis unit is currently planned for the facility, with construction expected to be completed by the end of 2027. Contact NS Health or your nephrologist for current dialysis service availability in the region.
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.