Yarmouth Regional Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Yarmouth Regional

Yarmouth Regional Hospital is the primary regional referral centre serving more than 58,000 residents across Yarmouth, Shelburne, and Digby Counties in southwestern Nova Scotia. The Emergency Department, located on the main level at 60 Vancouver Street, operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing acute care for illnesses and injuries that cannot wait for a family physician. As a teaching hospital affiliated with Dalhousie University, YRH offers a broader scope of specialist care than most rural facilities, including cardiovascular, dialysis, cancer navigation, and advanced diagnostics.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Urgent Treatment Centre (by appointment, call 902-742-2406), Cardiovascular and Stroke Clinic, CT Scan, MRI, X-ray, Ultrasound, Bone Density Scan and EKG/ECG, SPECT/CT Scanner, Hemodialysis (inpatient, outpatient, and ICU), Mental Health Mobile Crisis Line (24/7 phone support), Cancer Patient Navigator (Digby, Yarmouth, and Shelburne counties), Well Woman Clinic, Early Mobility Program (patients 65+), Blood and Specimen Collection (by appointment), Family Medicine and Internal Medicine Residency Training, Dalhousie School of Nursing campus.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (Basement Level): Mon–Fri 9:30 a.m.–6 p.m.; weekends and holidays 9:30 a.m.–1 p.m. and 4–6 p.m.
• Breeze Thru Café (Main Lobby): Mon–Fri 7 a.m.–2 p.m.; closed weekends and holidays
• Vending machines in main lobby and ED waiting area
• Gift Shop (Yarmouth Hospital Auxiliary): Mon–Fri 9 a.m.–8 p.m., Sat 11:30 a.m.–4 p.m., Sun 1–4 p.m.
• Non-denominational chapel/quiet space off the main lobby (first level)
• Bedside phone service available (dial 899 from bedside phone to set up)

Other Care Options

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

Pharmacists in Nova Scotia 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

• Use the Urgent Treatment Centre for non-emergency concerns — call 902-742-2406 to book an appointment for same-day or next-day care and avoid a longer ED wait.
• The main entrance on Vancouver Street is the only public entry point. After 8 p.m. the doors are locked — ring the buzzer to be admitted.
• Check estimated ED wait times posted publicly on the Nova Scotia Health website before leaving home so you can plan your visit.
• If you are a frequent visitor or caregiver, purchase a pre-paid parking pass at the hospital to save time and money at the on-site lot.
• For a mental health or addiction crisis, call the 24/7 mobile crisis line at 902-429-8167 (or toll-free 1-888-429-8167) before heading to the ED — trained staff can help you determine the best next step.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• Nova Scotia Health Card (CCP/MSI card)
• List of all current medications, including dosages
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• List of known allergies and previous surgeries
• Health insurance information for any non-covered services
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for a potentially long wait
• Snacks, water, and something to read or watch during the wait

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.