Abbotsford Hospital FAQ for patients in Abbotsford, BC

Abbotsford Hospital offers emergency care, inpatient services, surgical procedures, medical imaging, and outpatient clinics across multiple departments. The hospital functions as a regional acute care facility serving Abbotsford and surrounding communities in the Fraser Valley.

Emergency care is available twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, providing assessment, stabilization, and treatment for urgent and critical medical conditions. The emergency department is staffed by physicians, nurses, and allied health professionals trained in emergency medicine protocols. Patients are triaged based on the severity of their condition, with the most critical cases receiving immediate attention.

Inpatient services include medical and surgical units where patients are admitted for observation, treatment, and recovery. These units provide round-the-clock nursing care, physician oversight, medication management, and discharge planning to support safe transitions home or to other care settings. Surgical services encompass pre-operative assessment, operating room procedures, post-anesthetic recovery, and follow-up care coordination.

Medical imaging services support diagnosis and treatment planning through X-ray, ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Outpatient clinics offer specialty consultations, chronic disease management, and follow-up appointments across disciplines such as cardiology, orthopedics, internal medicine, and other specialties. For more information about how these services are organized, visit the Abbotsford Hospital overview page.

You can contact the hospital directly through their main line or visit their website to request appointments with specific departments or specialists. Many specialty clinics and outpatient services at Abbotsford Hospital require a referral from a primary care provider or another physician before an appointment can be scheduled.

The referral process ensures that patients are directed to the appropriate specialist and that relevant medical history, test results, and clinical context are available to the consulting physician. If you do not have a family doctor, you may access walk-in clinics or urgent primary care centres in Abbotsford to obtain a referral. Some services, such as certain diagnostic imaging appointments, may be booked directly by the ordering clinician.

When scheduling an appointment, be prepared to provide your personal health number (British Columbia Services Card number), contact information, and details about your medical concern. Confirm the appointment date, time, location within the hospital, and any preparation instructions such as fasting requirements or medication adjustments. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact the clinic as soon as possible to allow the appointment slot to be offered to another patient.

Accessibility services, including interpretation for patients who speak languages other than English, and accommodations for patients with mobility or sensory needs, can often be arranged in advance. Inquire about these services when booking your appointment to ensure appropriate support is available. For additional guidance on patient services in Abbotsford, consult Government of Canada health services and information.

The emergency department operates 24/7 for urgent and critical care needs. Regular department hours vary by service. Emergency departments in Canadian hospitals, including Abbotsford Hospital, are always open to provide immediate assessment and treatment for patients experiencing medical emergencies.

Visiting hours for patients admitted to the emergency department or other hospital units may be subject to specific policies that can change based on infection control measures, patient care needs, and public health guidance. During certain periods, such as respiratory illness seasons or public health emergencies, visiting may be restricted to protect vulnerable patients and healthcare workers.

It is important to verify current visiting policies directly with the hospital before planning a visit. Some units may allow visitors only during designated hours, while others may permit family presence around the clock for patients requiring continuous support. Pediatric patients and patients at end of life typically have more flexible visiting arrangements to support family involvement in care.

When visiting the emergency department, be aware that wait times can vary significantly depending on the number and severity of cases being treated. Patients are assessed using a triage system that prioritizes those with life-threatening or time-sensitive conditions. Non-urgent cases may experience longer waits. For non-emergency health concerns, consider alternatives such as walk-in clinics, urgent primary care centres, or virtual care options. Learn more about emergency care pathways on the Wikipedia emergency department reference page.

Yes, the hospital provides comprehensive surgical services including general surgery, orthopedic procedures, and other specialized surgical interventions. Surgical care at Abbotsford Hospital encompasses elective and urgent procedures performed by qualified surgeons with support from anesthesiologists, operating room nurses, and surgical technologists.

Before surgery, patients typically undergo a pre-operative assessment to review medical history, current medications, allergies, and any conditions that may affect anesthesia or recovery. This assessment may include blood tests, electrocardiograms, chest X-rays, or other investigations as clinically indicated. Patients receive instructions about fasting, medication adjustments, and what to bring on the day of surgery.

Informed consent is a critical component of surgical care. Surgeons discuss the nature of the procedure, expected benefits, potential risks and complications, and alternative treatment options. Patients have the opportunity to ask questions and must provide written consent before surgery proceeds. Anesthesia options, including general anesthesia, regional blocks, or sedation, are discussed with the anesthesiologist.

Post-operative care includes monitoring in the recovery room, pain management, wound care, and mobilization as appropriate. Discharge planning begins early, with instructions for home care, activity restrictions, medication management, and follow-up appointments. Some patients may require inpatient admission after surgery, while others may be discharged the same day depending on the procedure and individual recovery. For questions about surgical services in Abbotsford, consult the hospital directly or speak with your referring physician.

Abbotsford Hospital offers X-ray, ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI imaging services to support diagnosis and treatment. Medical imaging plays a vital role in identifying injuries, detecting diseases, guiding interventions, and monitoring treatment response across many clinical specialties.

X-ray imaging uses low-dose radiation to create images of bones, lungs, and other structures. It is commonly used to diagnose fractures, pneumonia, and other conditions. Ultrasound uses sound waves to visualize soft tissues, blood vessels, and developing fetuses. It is non-invasive, does not use radiation, and is often used for abdominal, pelvic, vascular, and obstetric imaging.

Computed tomography (CT) combines X-ray images taken from multiple angles to create detailed cross-sectional views of the body. CT scans are valuable for assessing trauma, detecting tumors, evaluating blood vessels, and guiding certain procedures. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) uses powerful magnets and radio waves to produce highly detailed images of soft tissues, the brain, spinal cord, joints, and internal organs. MRI does not use ionizing radiation.

Preparation for imaging varies by modality. X-rays and ultrasounds typically require little preparation, though patients may be asked to remove jewelry or wear a gown. CT scans may require fasting if contrast material is used. MRI requires screening for metal implants, pacemakers, or other devices that may be unsafe in the magnetic field. Patients with claustrophobia should inform staff, as accommodations or sedation may be available.

Imaging appointments are usually scheduled through the ordering physician or clinic. Results are interpreted by radiologists and communicated to the referring provider, who discusses findings and next steps with the patient. For more information about accessing imaging services, refer to how to use patient services at Abbotsford Hospital.

You can search their provider directory online or call the hospital to request referrals to specific physicians and specialists. Finding the right healthcare provider is an important step in accessing timely and appropriate care within the British Columbia health system.

Many specialists and consultants at Abbotsford Hospital accept referrals from family physicians or other specialists. If you have a family doctor, they can coordinate referrals based on your medical needs and help navigate the healthcare system. If you do not have a family doctor, you may register with the Health Connect Registry, a provincial service that helps connect British Columbians with primary care providers.

Walk-in clinics and urgent primary care centres can provide episodic care and may initiate referrals for specialty consultation when clinically appropriate. Some services, such as emergency care, do not require a referral and are accessible directly by presenting to the emergency department.

When seeking a specialist, consider factors such as the nature of your condition, the urgency of consultation, travel distance, and language or cultural preferences. Hospital staff and patient navigators can provide guidance on available services and how to access them. Provincial resources such as HealthLink BC offer information about health services, symptom assessment, and navigation support.

It is important to bring relevant medical records, test results, medication lists, and insurance information to appointments. Keeping a personal health record can facilitate communication between providers and ensure continuity of care. For additional support in finding healthcare providers in British Columbia, visit HealthLink BC services and resources.