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 911 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 West Coast General Hospital
Medical Laboratory at West Coast General Hospital
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
West Coast General Hospital
3949 Port Alberni Hwy
Port Alberni, B.C.
V9Y 4S1
250-724-8812 - Ostomy Care 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.
Contact Us
Contact Community Health Services NSWOC for inpatient and outpatient services
Phone: 250-731-1313
Fax: 250-731-1314
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.
3949 Port Alberni Highway
Port Alberni, BC
V9Y 4S1
Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours
1 - 8 p.m., daily.
Public WiFi Access
Free WiFi is available for patients and visitors at the West Coast General Hospital. Select the wireless network “IslandHealthGuestWiFi” from your wireless device and follow the instructions to connect.
