Tessa Quinn
Tofino, BC, is home to the Tofino General Hospital, which was built in 1954 to cater to a regional population of 400 people. However, the region's population has grown significantly, with around 10,000 residents and up to 600,000 visitors annually, leading to a push for a new hospital. The current facility has been described as antiquated and too small, lacking certain services, including a maternity ward. There are also concerns about its ability to withstand a potential earthquake, as predicted by PreparedBC to hit the region within the next 50 years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Tofino General Hospital |
| Address | 261 Neill Street, PO Box 190 Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0 |
| Phone Number | 250-725-4010 |
| Hours of Operation | Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week |
| Outpatient Hours | Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Friday: 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. |
| Lab Hours | Vary, by appointment only |
| Rehabilitation Outpatient Hours | Monday-Friday, by appointment only |
| Visiting Hours | Vary by unit |
| Age | Built in 1954 |
| Service Area | Serves around 1,800 First Nations residents from surrounding communities |
| Maternity Ward | None |
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What You'll Learn
Tofino General Hospital's location and contact information
Tofino General Hospital is located at 261 Neill Street, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0. The hospital can be contacted by phone at 250-725-4010.
The hospital was built in 1954 to serve a regional population of 400 people. However, the region's population has grown significantly since then, and there is a push for a new hospital to replace the current facility, which is nearly 70 years old. The hospital serves around 1,800 First Nations residents from surrounding communities, and it is advocated that the current hospital is too small and outdated to adequately serve the growing population.
Tofino General Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The outpatient hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm. The lab hours vary throughout the week and are by appointment only on Saturdays and Sundays.
For specific unit visiting hours, it is recommended to call the hospital prior to visiting. The hospital also has a medical laboratory, and appointments can be booked online or by contacting the Laboratory Call Center at 1-866-370-8355.
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Tofino General Hospital's lab services
Tofino General Hospital is located at 261 Neill Street, Tofino, BC, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hospital serves around 1,800 First Nations residents from surrounding communities, including Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Hesquiaht, and Ahousaht First Nation.
The hospital's lab hours are as follows: Monday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Tuesday to Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Friday from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., and Saturday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. by appointment only. The lab is closed on statutory holidays.
To book an appointment at the Tofino General Hospital lab, you can book online or text the word "JOIN" along with your first and last name to 1-833-237-6918. If you do not have access to the internet or are unable to use the text-based waitlist, you can contact the Laboratory Call Center at 1-866-370-8355 for assistance.
It is important to note that Tofino General Hospital is nearly 70 years old, and there have been calls for a new hospital to replace the current facility due to its small size and outdated infrastructure. Island Health has recognized the need to address the aging infrastructure and has invested in projects and equipment for the hospital.
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Tofino General Hospital's rehabilitation outpatient hours
Tofino General Hospital is located at 261 Neill Street, Tofino, BC, and is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The hospital serves around 1,800 First Nations residents from nearby communities, including Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Hesquiaht, and Ahousaht First Nation.
The rehabilitation outpatient hours at Tofino General Hospital are by appointment only, Monday through Friday. To schedule an appointment, patients are advised to call 250-725-4008.
It is important to note that each hospital unit has different visiting hours, so patients and visitors are encouraged to call the specific unit prior to their visit to confirm the hours and any other relevant information.
Tofino General Hospital has been the subject of recent discussions regarding the need for a new hospital in the community. The current facility is nearly 70 years old and has been described as small, antiquated, and outdated. There are concerns about the lack of certain services, such as a maternity ward, which causes financial and time burdens on families who must travel to other cities for care. Additionally, evaluations have indicated that the building may not be structurally safe in the event of an earthquake, which is a significant concern for the region. As a result, there are plans to develop a concept plan for a proposed project to address these issues and improve healthcare infrastructure in Tofino.
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The need for a new hospital in Tofino
Tofino, BC is currently served by Tofino General Hospital, which was built in 1954 to serve a regional population of 400 people. However, the region's population has grown significantly since then, with around 10,000 residents and an estimated 600,000 visitors annually. As a result, there is a growing push for a new hospital in Tofino, as the current facility is struggling to meet the needs of the community.
The Tofino General Hospital is nearly 70 years old and has been described as "small, antiquated, and outdated". It lacks a maternity ward, forcing women and families to travel long distances to receive care. The hospital also has a very small waiting room, which can be chaotic and overcrowded during busy periods. In addition, the hospital serves around 1,800 First Nations residents from surrounding communities, and the Ahousaht First Nation Elected Chief, Greg Louie, has advocated for a new hospital to better serve their community.
Another critical issue is the hospital's vulnerability to earthquakes. According to PreparedBC, there is a one-in-three chance of a damaging earthquake hitting British Columbia's coast in the next 50 years. Evaluations of the hospital indicate that the building could face potential disaster during an earthquake, with a 2015 report stating that it "will likely suffer serious damage or collapse during a severe earthquake". This poses an unacceptable threat to the local population and visitors, highlighting the urgent need for a new hospital with adequate emergency health facilities.
While Island Health has recognized the need to address the aging infrastructure at Tofino General Hospital and has invested millions in projects and equipment, the process of planning and approving a new hospital can take several years. In the meantime, they have committed to maintaining the current hospital to deliver the best possible care. However, with the growing population, increasing tourism, and the existing facility's limitations and safety concerns, it is evident that a new, modern hospital is needed in Tofino to effectively serve the community's healthcare needs.
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The Tofino hospital's earthquake safety concerns
Tofino General Hospital, located at 261 Neill Street, serves the community of Tofino, BC. The hospital is nearly 70 years old and has been described as "small, antiquated, and outdated". In addition to serving the local community, the hospital also serves around 1,800 First Nations residents from surrounding communities, including Tla-o-qui-aht, Toquaht, Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ Hesquiaht, and Ahousaht First Nation.
The hospital's infrastructure has been a cause for concern, with calls for a new hospital to replace the current facility. The hospital's limitations were highlighted by Ahousaht First Nation Elected Chief Greg Louie, who noted the absence of a maternity ward, requiring women and families to travel to other cities for care.
The Tofino General Hospital Foundation has also raised earthquake safety concerns. Tofino is located within the Cascadia Subduction Zone, a seismically active region where earthquakes can occur without warning. A 2019 report by the foundation indicated that the hospital building could face potential disaster during an earthquake. This was further emphasized in a 2015 Asset Detail Report, which stated that the hospital "will likely suffer serious damage or collapse during a severe earthquake".
To address these concerns, Island Health has recognized the need to address the aging infrastructure at Tofino General Hospital. Over the past decade, they have invested more than $3.8 million in projects and equipment for the facility. They are also working closely with the Ministry of Health and have received approval to begin preparing a concept plan for a proposed project to upgrade the hospital. In the meantime, they have assured the public that they will continue to maintain the hospital to deliver the best care possible.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, the Tofino General Hospital is located at 261 Neill Street, Tofino, BC V0R 2Z0. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
The outpatient hours are Monday to Thursday from 9 am to 5 pm and Friday from 9 am to 3:30 pm.
The contact number for the hospital is 250-725-4010.
