This hospital Emergency Department is open 24/7 for life-threatening or serious health concerns. Patients are seen based on the urgency of their condition, not the order they arrive.
How to Get Care at This Hospital
If you or someone else is in danger or needs urgent medical help, call 9-1-1 right away.
You can also come directly to the Emergency Department. When you arrive, a nurse will check how urgent your condition is. The most serious cases are treated first.
Wait times can vary. If your condition is not an emergency, you may be encouraged to visit a same-day or urgent care clinic.
When to Come to This Hospital
Call 9-1-1 or go to the Emergency Department for:
Emergency Care
- Signs of a stroke (numbness, confusion, trouble speaking)
- Chest pain or signs of a heart attack
- Major injury or trauma
- Mental health crisis
- Head injury with loss of consciousness
- Pregnancy complications
- Feeling unwell and on dialysis
- Overdose or poisoning
- Sexual assault or rape
Medical Imaging at NRGH
Medical Laboratory at NRGH
Urgent Medical Assessment Clinic at Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Sign Up for a Doctor or Nurse Practitioner
If you don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, you can register to be matched when one becomes available.
Visit: healthlinkbc.ca/health-connect-registry
Services at this location
- Adult rehabilitation - outpatient program
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Rehabilitation Services are available at this location.
Referral required?
Yes.How to get a referral
A doctor's referral is required. Patients must meet the admission guidelines for each program.Contact Us
Outpatient Programs - Adult Rehabilitation
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
1200 Dufferin Crescent
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9S 2B7
250-755-7691 (local 57611) - Electrodiagnostics - heart health
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Electrodiagnostics provides inpatient and outpatient cardiovascular-related diagnostic testing, such as electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG), holter monitoring and exercise treadmill tests.
Referral required?
No.Contact Us
Use the general facility contact information listed below. - Heart function clinic - heart health
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Island Health’s Heart Function Clinics provide education, assessment, and medical management for people living with heart failure in our community. Our goal is to improve survival and quality of life for people living with heart failure as well as promote the patient’s ability to manage their disease.
Our team includes specialty heart failure cardiologists and nurse clinicians. Your care team might also include a pharmacist, physiotherapist, exercise specialist, social worker, and/or a psychiatrist.
We do this through:- medical assessment by a heart doctor and tests as required
- education and support
- exercise guidance as required
- referrals to other programs and services as required
- teach how to manage heart failure better at home
Why would I need a heart function clinic?
People are referred to the Heart Function Clinic because they have a condition called Heart Failure, which means their heart does not pump as well as it used to. This condition has many different causes.
What can I expect from a heart function clinic visit?
- discuss how to manage your heart failure and keep you as healthy as possible
- support you and your family in making changes in your life to improve your health such as increasing activity and exercise, and changing eating habits
- review your heart failure medications and treatments, adjusting them if needed
- arrange for various heart tests
- regularly update your family doctor on your condition
How do I prepare for my first appointment?
- arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your appointment time
- expect to be at the clinic for up to 2 hours
- bring all of your medications in their original packaging
- bring a support person
Can I review my test results before my appointment?
You can access your Island Health test results, certain documents, and some appointments via the MyHealth Patient Portal or by calling 1-844-844-2219.
Patient and caregiver support
Heart Life Foundation
Men's support group
Women's support group
Community Virtual Care for Heart FailureWhat do I need to know about heart failure medications?
Heart Failure Medications Guide
Managing the Cost of MedicationsHow can I start managing my condition at home?
- it is important that you know what to monitor and what to watch for. Please review some of these symptom management strategies
- heart failure zones - English, Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Filipino, French, Hindi, Punjabi, Spanish
- activity
- heart and stroke activity guidelines
- daily weights
- fluid restriction
- potassium in food
- sodium restriction
- balancing activity and rest
Additional resources
Cardiac Services BC
Heart & Stroke Canada
The Heart Hub
Heart Life FoundationVisit the Heart Health and Heart Diseases page to learn more about heart health, and download Living Well with Heart Failure.
Referral required?
Yes.How to get a referral
Living Well with Heart Failure People living with heart failure, and their support network, who reside on Vancouver Island or surrounding communities are eligible with a doctor's referral.
Contact Us
Nanaimo Heart Function Clinic
250-740-6989
Fax: 250-716-1852 - Pacemaker clinic - heart health
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Provides evaluation and ongoing follow-up for patients with implanted pacemakers and defibrillators to ensure each device is working properly and to monitor the life of the device.
Referral required?
No.Preparing for your visit
Location:
Nanaimo Millstone Medical Centre (NMMC)
#202 - 1621 Dufferin Crescent
Nanaimo, BC V9S 5T4 - Pain program
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About the Pain Program
The Regional Chronic Pain Program is a dynamic, multi-service outpatient clinic specialized in identifying pain sources and restoring function.
Our program aims to improve quality of life and function for individuals with persistent pain. This is achieved through working with our pain team, setting realistic and obtainable goals, and attending our educational classes.
Island Health’s Pain Program requires a referral from a primary care provider. Practitioners may refer to the referral section below to download the applicable referral form.
Who We Are
The Pain Program’s interdisciplinary team is comprised of physicians, a psychologist, a psychiatrist, pharmacists, nursing staff, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, social work, and clerical staff.
Based on individual needs, some people might see several members of our Pain Team, or only one or two.
To learn more about the pain program and available community resources, please review the Pain Program - Introductory Slideshow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Island Health Pain Program’s Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Royal Jubilee Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Chronic Pain Resources
For videos, links and information related to chronic pain management, please review our Chronic Pain Resources webpage.
Group Programs
If you are participating in our group programs, or you’d like to learn more about our interdisciplinary services, please review our Group Programs webpage.
General information about the Pain Program
Island Health’s Pain Program requires a referral from a primary care provider.
For Practitioners
Regional Interdisciplinary Referral (fillable)
Neuropathic Pain: Pharmacological Evidence-Based Treatment Algorithm
For more information, please refer to Pathways.
Preparing for Your VisitAdmission Process
To receive treatment at Island Health’s Chronic Pain Program, please contact your primary care provider for a referral.
We require a Health History Questionnaire to be completed. This will be sent to each patient prior to their first scheduled appointment.
Procedure Handouts
To help you prepare, recover, and develop a better understanding of our procedures, please review our available handouts below.
Additional Resources - Regional stroke program
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The Division of Neurology, in partnership with the Heart and Stroke Foundation of British Columbia and the B.C. Stroke Strategy, is working to establish a regional stroke program, centred out of the Victoria General Hospital. In addition, the Campbell River Regional Hospital has developed an outpatient stroke clinic that works with patients to prevent strokes and manage risk factors.
The goal of the program is to offer all residents of the Vancouver Island Health Authority with stroke symptoms the opportunity to receive the same level of care.
How it Works
The Acute Stroke Consultation Service is a telephone based consultation system where the Emergency physician from any Island Health hospital can connect to the Neurologist on call.
Neurologists are able to view the imaging and then consult via telephone, or in-person where possible, with the attending physician.
More complex cases may be treated at community hospitals and then transferred to the Victoria General Hospital, or they may be referred to Royal Jubilee Hospital for surgery on the major arteries to the brain.
Should you need rehabilitation, the Regional Stroke Program is also connected with inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services. Inpatient rehabilitation services are provided at the Victoria General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Community services also help enhance reintegration of stroke survivors into the community.
General Information on Regional Stroke Program
Referral Required?
Yes.Contact Us
Neurosciences Regional Program
Victoria General Hospital
1 Hospital Way
Victoria, B.C.
V8Z 6R5
Fax: 250-727-4106 - Stroke rapid assessment unit
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The Stroke Rapid Assessment Units (SRAU) are located at the Victoria General Hospital and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, as well as the North Island Stroke Prevention Clinic at the Campbell River Hospital providing rapid access to:
- Neurologists and internal medicine specialists with special interests in stroke
- Nurses with special training in stroke care
- imaging studies of the brain and blood vessels
This allows for timely assessment of patients who have suffered a minor stroke or TIA, which significantly reduces the number of first and recurrent strokes. It also allows for early identification of patients who are candidates for surgery on the major blood vessels to the brain, as well as prompt placement on medications for stroke prevention.
General Information on Stroke Rapid Assessment Unit
Referral Required?Yes.Preparing for Your VisitContact UsNanaimo: 250-740-6926
Victoria: 250-727-4056Hours of Operation
Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. - Sleep Lab
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The Sleep Lab is a diagnostic program for adults. The lab's focus is the breathing disorders of sleep, specifically obstructive sleep apnea.
Some other sleep disorders are:
- sleep related breathing problems, including snoring and sleep apnea
- insomnia - difficulty initiating and/or maintaining sleep
- sleep related myoclonus - spasms, twitches, and movement in the arms and legs
- narcolepsy - the tendency to fall asleep suddenly without warning
- excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS)
- parasomnias and other problems, including sleep walking, night terrors, bedwetting and night seizures
Sleep Studies Available
Overnight Oximetry:
- you must attend a brief class to learn how to use a small piece of equipment
- tests are done in your own home
- equipment must be returned by noon the next day - no exceptions
- referring offices will be made aware of your appointment date and time, they are to contact you
- you will receive an information letter prior to your test
- tests can be done at the Royal Jubilee Hospital, Cowichan District Hospital, and Nanaimo Regional General Hospital
Level 3 Home Sleep Test:
- you must attend a brief class to learn how to use a small piece of equipment
- tests are done in your own home
- equipment must be returned by noon the next day - no exceptions
- you will be contacted by the department once the referral has been received
- you will receive an information letter prior to your test
- tests are only done at the Royal Jubilee Hospital
- these tests can only be ordered by a respirologist
Level 1 Polysomnogram:
- you stay overnight in the Sleep Lab of the Royal Jubilee Hospital
- you will be contacted by the department once the referral has been received
- you will receive an information letter prior to your test
- tests are only done at the Royal Jubilee Hospital
- these tests can only be ordered by a respirologist
General Information on Sleep Lab
Referral Required
How to get a referral
NRGH Overnight Oximetry Referral
Preparing for your visit
- Ostomy Services
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What is an ostomy
An “ostomy” or “stoma” is a surgically-created opening in your abdomen that allows waste or urine to leave your body. There are many medical conditions that require ostomy surgery. That is why there are different types of ostomy surgery including colostomy, ileostomy and ileal conduit (urostomy). Surgeons inform patients what type of ostomy they require and then refer patients to a Nurse Specialized in Wounds, Ostomy and Continence (NSWOC) at an ostomy care clinic. Patients may require access to a NSWOC throughout the duration they have their ostomy.
Role of the NSWOC
An NSWOC is a registered nurse who has specialized training in caring for patients with ostomies. We understand that every client and family has unique care needs.
Prior to a planned surgery, the NSWOC meets with the patient and family to review information, demonstrate the equipment, and answer questions. The NSWOC also plays a major role in patient rehabilitation after surgery.
The services that an NSWOC provides include:
- Counseling regarding the planned surgical procedure
- Determining where the stoma will be located
- Ostomy care education including:
- Post surgery equipment needs and discharge planning
- Returning to normal activities of daily living
- Providing education for self care and linkages to resources
- Short term and long term out-patient follow-up
General Information on Ostomy Care Services
Referral RequiredHow to get a ReferralYour physician may send us a referral or you may self refer for NSWOC services.
Preparing for Your VisitThe following documents provide information for families and friends to help support patients before, during and after surgery. Each document provides a section on troubleshooting and a listing of helpful resource.
- A Guide to Living with an Ileal Conduit (urostomy)
- A Guide to Living with an Ileostomy
- A Guide to Living with a Colostomy
- Getting Ready for and Recovering from Colon (Bowel) Resection Surgery
- Getting ready for and recovering from Radical Cystectomy
- Intimacy After Ostomy Surgery Guide
Contact Us
NRGH Ostomy Clinic
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Speciality Care Clinic
Phone: 250-740-6926 Ext: 4
Fax: 250-740-6956
NRGH_NSWOC@islandhealth.ca - Multiple Sclerosis Clinic
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The Multiple Sclerosis Clinic is located at the Royal Jubilee Hospital in Victoria, British Columbia and located in Nanaimo Regional Hospital in Nanaimo, British Columbia. The MS Clinics provide comprehensive, interdisciplinary care for individuals with MS across the many regions of Island Health.
COVID-19 Vaccination Information
BCCDC has posted new recommendations for vaccinations that may be confusing for MS patients. If you are on medication for MS, please call 250-370-8398 Extension 12994 to speak or leave a message for a MS Nurse. This number is specific to Covid 19 vaccination questions only. The MS nurse will review your case and provide confirmation for when you can book your vaccination.
RJH Services can include:
- Neurology Consultation
- Psychiatry Consultation
- Physical medicine Consultation
- Urology Consultation
- Nursing Consultation
NRGH Services can include:
- Neurology Consultation
- Nursing Consultation
The MS Clinic has a collaborative relationship with the MS Clinic located at the University of British Columbia
Treatment Options Include:
- Disease Modifying Agents
- Symptomatic Treatment
- Botox for spasticity
Referral Required
Yes.
Contact us:
Multiple Sclerosis Clinic (Central Island)Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, Ground Floor, access through rehab entrance.
250-755-7691 x53286
Fax: 250-740-2652
Multiple Sclerosis Clinic (South Island)
Royal Jubilee Hospital, Richmond Pavilion, 2nd Floor
250-370-8398Fax: 250-519-1834
- Colon Screening Program
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Colon cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed forms of cancer. In the early stages, there are no symptoms, which is why screening is so important. Screening saves lives by detecting non-cancerous polyps and cancer early. If colon cancer is detected at its earliest stage, the chance of survival is greater than 90 percent.
Colon Cancer Screening in BC is organized under a partnership framework with regional health authorities, laboratory service providers, primary care providers, and specialists. The BC Cancer Agency provides oversight for organized cancer screening in BC. Island Health delivers Colon Screening Program services to its population in the South, Central and North Island through regional offices in both Nanaimo and in Victoria.
How to get a referral:
There are two screening tests for colon cancer – the fecal immunochemical test (FIT) for average risk individuals, and colonoscopy for individuals at higher risk. If you are eligible, any primary care provider can order these tests for you.
In general, anyone between the ages of 50-74 who is experiencing no symptoms should be screened for colon cancer with a FIT test. If you receive an abnormal result from your FIT test, it does NOT mean you have cancer. However, it is very important to attend follow up tests to determine the reason for the abnormal result. Usually, the recommended follow up is a colonoscopy.
Anyone experiencing symptoms, or with a personal history of colon cancer, ulcerative colitis or crohn’s disease has individual needs that cannot be met with a population approach to screening. These patients should obtain care and diagnostic testing through their primary care providers or specialists rather than the Colon Screening Program.
Preparing for your visit:
If a colonoscopy procedure is recommended for you through the Colon Screening Program, someone from either the Central Island or South Island office will contact you. You will undergo a telephone health assessment and your colonoscopy will be scheduled at an Island Health Hospital or Surgical Centre, as appropriate. You will receive detailed information about the procedure, instructions on how to prepare, and will have an opportunity to ask questions.
Contact:
Central Island Colon Screening Program Office
Telephone: 250-755-7984
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and statutory holidays.
South Island Colon Screening Program Office
Telephone: 250-388-2312
Monday - Friday: 7:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Closed weekends and statutory holidays.
After your colonoscopy:
Following your colonoscopy, you will be contacted by a Colon Screening Program Nurse Navigator. The nurse will review your procedure results, and will inform you of any further monitoring or surveillance recommendations. Ongoing surveillance is recommended for everyone until the age of 74, but varies depending on your colonoscopy results, personal history, and family history. You will either be mailed a reminder when it is time to repeat the FIT test, or you will be contacted in the future to schedule a surveillance procedure when due.
1200 Dufferin Crescent
Nanaimo, B.C.
V9S 2B7
Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
Donor Milk Bank Collection: Monday-Friday between 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Donors must be pre-approved by BCW Milk Bank before donating please visit Donating Milk for more information.
All vehicles parked in hospital parking lots must pay or have a valid parking permit 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. Parking can be purchased at pay stations or through the mobile app providers listed below. License plates are required to purchase parking.
Rates
Surface Lots Parking Pay Stations:
- $1.25 for each hour
- $10.00 for 24 hours
- $26.75 for a weekly permit
Pay stations accepts coins or credit card.
No debit or Visa branded debit cards are accepted.
No change is provided from pay stations.
Mobile App: HONK (Zone 371)
Download the HONK app to your Apple or Android mobile device.
PayByPhone (Location Number 55371)
Download the PayByPhone app to your Apple or Android mobile device.
Nanaimo Regional General Hospital Parking Map
Special Permits and Parking Exemptions:
For more parking information visit the Island Health Parking Services webpage.
Please note:
Island Health manages hospital parking lot parking only. The City of Nanaimo manages on-street parking. This information does not apply to City of Nanaimo on-street parking.
Public Wi-Fi Access
Free WiFi is available for patients and visitors at the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Select the wireless network “IslandHealthGuestWiFi” from your wireless device and follow the instructions to connect.
