Learn about average wait times and when you should go to the emergency.
Call 9-1-1 or visit your nearest hospital Emergency Room if you are experiencing an emergency health issue.
Some examples of emergencies include, but are not limited to:
- chest pains
- difficulty breathing
- severe bleeding
- broken bones, or suspected broken bones
- stroke or heart attack symptoms
- symptoms of sepsis
- pain in early pregnancy
If possible, have your Personal Health Number (BC Care Card) handy and bring a list of your current medications. Learn about moving through the Emergency and know what to expect when you arrive.
Whenever you feel you can apply home treatment safely and wait to see your regular doctor, do so. However, if you believe your situation requires emergency care, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Room.
If you aren’t sure, call our Fraser Health Virtual Care team at 1-800-314-0999 for advice from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week; outside of those hours, call 8-1-1.
Average emergency department wait times
View emergency department wait times.
We apologize if you are experiencing longer than usual wait times in our emergency departments. We are experiencing higher patient volumes right now coupled with Hospitalist medicine and human resources challenges. We are working to support our patients moving through the emergency departments in the safest and fastest way possible to reduce emergency department congestion.
Thank you for your patience and kindness, we know long waits are frustrating. We want you to be aware there are other care options available for patients experiencing non life-threatening concerns.
We are working together with the Ministry of Health as well as our staff and medical staff to make improvements where we can that will benefit our patients, our families and the health system.