Chilliwack Hospital FAQ for emergency, appointments, and services

Chilliwack Hospital offers 24/7 emergency department services including trauma care, acute illness treatment, and urgent medical assessment for residents and visitors. The emergency department is staffed around the clock by physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals trained to handle a wide range of medical emergencies.

When you arrive at the emergency room Chilliwack, you will be assessed through a process called triage. Triage is a systematic method used to determine the severity of your condition and prioritize care based on medical urgency rather than arrival time. A registered nurse will ask about your symptoms, vital signs, and medical history to assign a priority level. Patients with life-threatening conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, difficulty breathing, or stroke symptoms are seen immediately, while those with less urgent issues may experience longer wait times.

Understanding what constitutes an "urgent" medical situation helps ensure appropriate use of emergency services. Urgent conditions include severe pain, high fever with confusion, significant injuries, suspected fractures, or sudden changes in health status that cannot wait for a scheduled appointment. For guidance on emergency medical services in Canada, consult Government of Canada: Health services and information. The emergency department Chilliwack is equipped to handle both urgent and emergent cases, and the triage system ensures that the most critical patients receive immediate attention while maintaining care for all who seek help.

You can contact the hospital directly through their main line or visit specific department offices to book appointments with specialists and healthcare providers. The process for scheduling chilliwack hospital appointments varies depending on the type of service you need and whether you have a referral from your primary care physician.

Many specialty clinics and diagnostic services at the hospital require a referral from a family doctor or another healthcare provider before an appointment can be scheduled. When calling to book, have your referral information ready, including the referring physician's name, the reason for referral, and any relevant test results or medical records. If you are booking diagnostic imaging such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans, you may need a requisition form from your doctor. Some departments accept self-referrals for certain services, but it is always best to confirm requirements when you call.

When scheduling your appointment, be prepared to provide your full name, date of birth, British Columbia health card number (or out-of-province health information), contact details, and a brief description of your medical concern. Ask about any preparation required before your visit, such as fasting for blood work or bringing previous imaging results. Chilliwack hospital appointments may have different lead times depending on department capacity and the urgency of your condition, so plan ahead when possible and confirm your appointment details a day or two before your scheduled visit.

The hospital provides multiple departments including emergency medicine, surgery, pediatrics, obstetrics, and various specialty clinics to serve community healthcare needs. Each department plays a distinct role in delivering comprehensive care to patients across the Fraser Valley region.

The emergency medicine department operates 24 hours a day and serves as the entry point for urgent and emergent medical conditions. The surgery department handles both scheduled and emergency surgical procedures, including general surgery, orthopedic surgery, and other specialized interventions. Pediatrics focuses on the care of infants, children, and adolescents, providing both inpatient and outpatient services tailored to younger patients. The obstetrics department supports expectant mothers through prenatal care, labour and delivery, and postpartum services.

In addition to these core departments, Chilliwack Hospital offers diagnostic imaging services such as X-ray, ultrasound, and CT scanning, as well as laboratory services for blood work and other tests. Specialty clinics may include cardiology, orthopedics, internal medicine, and other disciplines that require referral from a primary care provider. Inpatient units provide around-the-clock nursing care and medical supervision for patients who require hospital admission. Patients are typically directed to the appropriate department through emergency triage, physician referral, or scheduled appointment pathways, ensuring that each individual receives care from the team best suited to their medical needs.

The emergency department accepts walk-in patients 24 hours a day for urgent and emergent medical conditions requiring immediate care. No appointment is necessary to visit the emergency room, and all patients are assessed through the triage process to determine the urgency of their condition and the order in which they will be seen by a physician.

It is important to distinguish between walk-in emergency care and scheduled outpatient services. While the emergency department is always open for walk-ins, most other hospital departments—including specialty clinics, diagnostic imaging, and surgical services—operate on an appointment basis and typically require a referral from a family doctor or other healthcare provider. If your medical concern is not urgent, consider contacting your primary care physician or a local walk-in clinic for assessment and referral if needed.

When deciding whether to walk into the emergency department, consider the severity and urgency of your symptoms. Conditions such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, loss of consciousness, suspected stroke, or serious injuries warrant immediate emergency care. For less urgent issues such as minor cuts, sprains, cold and flu symptoms, or concerns that can wait a few days, you may find faster service at an urgent care clinic or by scheduling an appointment with your family doctor. Understanding the difference between emergency and non-emergency care helps ensure that hospital resources are available for those who need them most, while also reducing your own wait time by seeking the most appropriate level of care for your situation.

Hours can vary by department and service. For the most accurate information, confirm hours with the relevant department before visiting. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, but other services such as diagnostic imaging, specialty clinics, laboratory services, and administrative offices typically operate during business hours with some limited after-hours availability for urgent cases.

When planning your visit to the hospital in Chilliwack BC, call ahead to confirm the hours of the specific department or service you need. If you have a scheduled appointment, arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to allow time for registration and any required paperwork. Bring your British Columbia Services Card (health card) or out-of-province health insurance information, a list of current medications including dosages, any relevant medical records or test results, and a form of photo identification. If you have mobility needs, require interpretation services, or have other accessibility considerations, inform the department when you book your appointment so appropriate supports can be arranged.

For emergency department visits, be prepared for variable wait times depending on the severity of cases being treated. Bring a list of your allergies, current medications, and any recent medical history that may be relevant to your condition. If possible, have a family member or friend accompany you, especially if you are feeling very unwell. For inpatient stays, pack essential personal items, but leave valuables at home. Understanding chilliwack hospital hours and planning accordingly helps ensure a smoother experience and allows hospital staff to provide the best possible care during your visit.