Emergencies

Each year, we treat about 38,000 ill o

r injured children from across the province. This is some general information for patients and families.

Wait times

We use a triage system in the Emergency Department. This means that we do not see patients in the order that they come through the door. We see the sickest children first. You and your child may need to wait in the Emergency Department waiting room, particularly at busy times and during cold and flu season. There are many toys, books, and videos to occupy children in the waiting room. You may feel as though you and your child have had to wait for a long time. There are various reasons you may need to wait:

We see the sickest children first.
Sometimes our physicians need to consult specialists who may not be immediately available.
Test results may take time.

We appreciate your patience. If you feel that your child’s health situation has changed while you are waiting, please consult the nurse.

When should you come to Emergency?

Infection control

If your child has been exposed to one of the following, please report directly to the nurse’s station desk upon entering the Emergency Department:

Chickenpox
Measles
Mumps
MRSA

Hand-washing is the best way to avoid passing on germs. Please wash your hands before and after being in the Emergency Department. There are also Microsan stations with disinfecting hand lotion available on site for your use.

Parking

There is metered parking in front of the Emergency Department. This parking is for Emergency patients only. While parked in this area, please register your car in the parking log displayed in the Emergency Department. Here is more information about parking.

Safety

To ensure the safety of your children, please keep them with you at all times.

Cell phones

Cellular phones may interfere with sensitive medical equipment. These phones must be turned off while you are in the Emergency Department. There is a pay phone available for use in the lobby, or you may step outside to make calls on your cell phone.

Getting here

We are located at 4500 Oak Street, Vancouver BC (on Oak Street at 27th Avenue). The Children’s Emergency Department is located beside the main entrance to the lobby. You can view maps of and directions to our site before you leave home.

If you would like more information on the Emergency Department at BC Children's Hospital, please view our brochure WelcometoEmergencypamphlet.pdf (pdf)

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