Image: Mike Vanden Bosch / Pattison Media / Fraser Health said Tuesday (May 30) that it is launching new information about average wait times for care at hospital emergency departments across the region, including Chilliwack General Hospital. As a result, emergency wait times are now viewable for all its hospitals, including Chilliwack General Hospital. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Chilliwack Hospital emergency wait times

Fraser Health emergency wait times now viewable online, including Chilliwack Hospital

May 30, 2023 | 2:27 PM

CHILLIWACK — Fraser Health says it is launching new information about average wait times for care at hospital emergency departments across the region, including Chilliwack General Hospital.

In a post from its website Tuesday (May 30), Fraser Health reports that it in light of the busy and unpredictable nature of ER department volumes, the new information will help patients and families make informed decisions about accessing care.

“These estimates help demonstrate how long it may take to see a physician and the expected length of stay in the emergency department,” Fraser Health wrote on its website.

Fraser Health looks after more than 2,000 people in emergency departments across the region that it serves from Burnaby to Hope. The health authority says it has seen a seven per cent increase in the number of emergency department visits compared to pre-pandemic levels.

“We recognize that some patients and their loved ones are experiencing longer-than-usual emergency department wait times, which can be frustrating and cause concern for loved ones,” Fraser Health said. “By providing information about wait times and expected length of stay, we hope to improve the experience for our patients and their families by reducing uncertainty and anxiety they may feel while waiting for care.”

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While Fraser Health encourages people to familiarize themselves with this dashboard, it says anyone with an emergent health issue should immediately seek emergency care regardless of wait times. If you require treatment for life- or limb-threatening health concerns, visit your nearest emergency department or call 9-1-1 immediately.

Fraser Health says wait times vary across emergency departments and fluctuate when patient volumes suddenly increase. If this occurs, estimated wait times can also change suddenly.

Patients with an injury or illness that requires urgent medical attention but is non-life-threatening, can visit an urgent and primary care centre, or call the Fraser Health Virtual Care Line at 1-800-314-0999 (10 a.m. to 10 p.m.).

Visit this link to find out average hospital wait times.