Frequently asked questions about Burnaby Hospital services
This FAQ page provides answers to common questions about Burnaby Hospital, emergency room services, visiting hours, patient admission procedures, and how to access current information about wait times and hospital departments. Whether you are a patient preparing for a hospital visit, a family member supporting a loved one, or a visitor seeking guidance on policies and procedures, this resource is designed to help you find the information you need quickly and clearly.
Burnaby Hospital serves the community of Burnaby, British Columbia, and surrounding areas as part of the Fraser Health network. Understanding how to navigate hospital services, what to bring for admissions, and where to confirm time-sensitive details such as burnaby hospital emergency wait times and burnaby hospital visiting hours is essential for a smooth and stress-free experience. The questions and answers below are based on common patient inquiries and are intended to provide general guidance. For specific, up-to-date information, always verify details through official sources such as the Fraser Health website, the BC government health portal, or by calling the hospital directly.
In addition to the Q&A section below, we have included a summary table that outlines where to look for common needs such as emergency wait times, visiting hours, department information, and patient admission guidance. This table serves as a quick reference to help you identify the best confirmation source for your specific question. For more detailed information about hospital departments, medical services, and patient care, please visit our Burnaby Hospital guide homepage. To learn more about how this guide is maintained and the sources we use, see our About our sources and verification page.
Common questions and answers
What are the emergency room services available at hospitals?
Emergency rooms provide 24/7 urgent medical care for life-threatening conditions, injuries, and acute illnesses requiring immediate attention. Emergency departments are staffed by physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals trained to assess and treat a wide range of urgent medical situations, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe injuries, stroke symptoms, uncontrolled bleeding, and other conditions that require immediate intervention. When you arrive at the emergency room, you will be triaged by a registered nurse who will assess the severity of your condition and prioritize care based on medical urgency. Wait times can vary depending on the volume of patients and the acuity of cases, so it is important to understand that the most critical patients are seen first. For non-urgent medical concerns, consider contacting your family physician, visiting a walk-in clinic, or calling HealthLink BC at 811 for guidance.
How do I find hospital visiting hours?
Visiting hours vary by department and can typically be found on the hospital's website or by calling the main reception desk directly. Burnaby hospital visiting hours differ between units such as emergency, inpatient wards, intensive care, maternity, and pediatrics, and policies may change in response to infection prevention measures or operational needs. To confirm current visiting hours, check the Fraser Health website, contact the specific unit where your loved one is receiving care, or call the hospital's main switchboard. Nursing staff can provide guidance on the best times to visit and any restrictions that may be in place, such as limits on the number of visitors, masking requirements, or screening protocols. Always verify visiting policies before you travel to the hospital to ensure you have the most accurate and up-to-date information.
What should I bring for patient admission procedures?
Bring your health card, photo ID, list of current medications, and any relevant medical records or referral letters from your physician. Specifically, you should have your BC Services Card (health card), which confirms your eligibility for publicly funded healthcare in British Columbia, and a government-issued photo ID such as a driver's license or passport. Prepare a complete list of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, along with dosages and frequency. Also bring information about any known allergies, previous surgeries, chronic health conditions, and the contact information for your family physician or specialist. If you have been referred to the hospital by a physician, bring the referral letter and any recent test results, imaging reports, or consultation notes. Having this information readily available helps the admissions team process your paperwork efficiently and allows clinical staff to focus on your care. For more detailed guidance on patient admission procedures, visit our Home: services overview page.
Where can I find emergency wait times information?
Most hospitals post current emergency wait times on their websites and through provincial health authority online portals for real-time updates. To check burnaby hospital emergency wait times, visit the Fraser Health website, which often provides estimated wait times for emergency departments across the region. The BC government also maintains health service portals that offer real-time or frequently updated information. Keep in mind that wait times are estimates and can change rapidly based on the volume of incoming patients and the complexity of cases being treated. Emergency departments prioritize patients based on medical urgency through a triage process, so your wait time will depend on the severity of your condition relative to others in the waiting area. For non-urgent medical concerns, consider alternative options such as walk-in clinics, telehealth services, or calling HealthLink BC at 811 to speak with a registered nurse. In a true emergency, always call 911 immediately rather than checking wait times or driving yourself to the hospital.
What medical services are typically available at general hospitals?
General hospitals offer emergency care, diagnostic imaging, laboratory services, surgical procedures, maternity care, and various specialist consultations. Burnaby Hospital, as a healthcare facility in Burnaby BC, provides a comprehensive range of medical services to meet the needs of the community. The emergency department handles urgent and life-threatening conditions 24/7. Diagnostic imaging services include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, and MRI (where available) to support diagnosis and treatment planning. Laboratory services process blood tests, urine samples, and other specimens. Surgical departments perform both planned and emergency procedures, ranging from minor outpatient surgeries to complex inpatient operations. Maternity services provide prenatal care, labour and delivery support, and postpartum care. Outpatient clinics offer specialist consultations in areas such as cardiology, orthopedics, internal medicine, and more. For detailed information about specific services, referral requirements, and department contact information, visit the Fraser Health website at fraserhealth.ca or consult your family physician.
Where to confirm common patient needs
The table below summarizes where to look for confirmation of common patient needs, including emergency wait times, visiting hours, department information, and patient admission guidance. Use this quick reference to identify the best source for your specific question, and always verify time-sensitive details through official channels.
| Need | Best confirmation source | Why it helps |
|---|---|---|
| Emergency wait times | Provincial health authority portal | Often provides real-time or frequently updated estimates |
| Visiting hours | Unit-specific hospital page or reception | Policies vary by department and can change |
| Departments and services | Health authority service directory | Clarifies what is offered and referral requirements |
| Admissions checklist | Provincial patient guidance resources | Standard expectations for ID, medications, and consent |
| Contact information | Fraser Health directory or BC gov portal | Most current phone numbers and addresses |
Additional guidance and resources
We hope this FAQ page has answered your questions about Burnaby Hospital services, emergency room procedures, visiting hours, and patient admission requirements. For more comprehensive information about hospital departments, medical services in Burnaby BC, and how to prepare for your visit, please explore our Burnaby Hospital patient information homepage. If you would like to learn more about how this guide is organized, the sources we reference, and our commitment to accessibility and accuracy, visit our How this guide is maintained page.
Remember that this website is an informational guide and not the official hospital website. All time-sensitive information, including phone numbers, visiting hours, and real-time wait times, should be verified through official health authority channels. For authoritative health information and patient resources in Canada, visit Health Canada, the BC government health portal, or the Fraser Health website. For non-urgent health questions, you can also call HealthLink BC at 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24/7.
If you have a medical emergency, always call 911 immediately. Do not delay seeking help in a life-threatening situation. Emergency services in Canada are available nationwide, and calling 911 ensures you receive the fastest, safest care. Thank you for using this guide, and we wish you and your loved ones the best in your healthcare journey.