Patient Admissions & Registration

St. Joseph's General Hospital was founded by a Catholic Order of Nuns, but people of all beliefs who need health care are welcomed. Patients are admitted to St. Joseph's for emergency treatment, planned surgeries, special procedures, acute medical care, or to deliver babies.

While emergency or maternity patients may arrive any time of the day or night, patients referred by their doctor should report to the main entrance desk between 1 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. on the day of the booked admission. Maternity patients should phone first, then arrive through the main entrance.

All patients should bring their B.C. Care Card, other hospital insurance details, and their medications (in original bottles), for reference by medical staff.

By completing a pre-admission form in advance at the admission desk, mothers-to-be can save time and perhaps anxiety when they arrive in labor. The form can be mailed or dropped at St. Joseph's three to four weeks before due date.

Please do not bring jewelry or more than a minimum of cash ($5 maximum recommended), including quarters for pay phones. Private and semi-private rooms are available, at extra fees; see the Patient Placement Clerk in Admissions for details and to make your request.

The attending physician will advise staff when the patient may go home. As there is always a demand for hospital beds, discharged patients should arrange to leave the hospital by 9:00 a.m. or as soon as posssible. Patients should stop by the Admissions Desk to sign out, settle their accounts if any, and sign any necessary forms.

Outpatients are also processed through Admissions. Some charges may apply.

The Patient Placement Department has a list of local motels and hotels where preferred accommodation rates have been made available to the hospital; please inquire if this is of interest to you.