BC Women's Hospital
BC Women’s Hospital + Health Centre, part of the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA), is the largest facility in British Columbia devoted exclusively to women’s and newborn health. Located in Vancouver, it provides a full spectrum of services including maternity, neonatal intensive care, gynecology, reproductive health, breast health, urogynecology, and surgical care. The hospital delivers approximately 7,000 babies annually and is a provincial referral centre for high-risk pregnancies and newborns.
Provincial Centre of Excellence
As BC’s only dedicated provincial women’s hospital, BC Women’s is home to several specialized programs: the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Women’s Heart Health, Oak Tree Clinic for women and families living with HIV, Reproductive Mental Health, and the Centre for Pelvic Pain and Endometriosis. It is also the referral centre for complex maternity cases, reproductive technologies, and newborn screening across the province.
Research, Education and Advocacy
The hospital is closely affiliated with the University of British Columbia and supports the Women’s Health Research Institute. It actively contributes to clinical research, education of healthcare professionals, and development of new standards for women’s and neonatal care. Advocacy for gender-informed healthcare and equity in medical research are integral to its mission.
Patient-Centred Approach
BC Women’s emphasizes culturally safe, family-centred care. It provides Indigenous patient support, translation services, family navigation, lactation consulting, and perinatal education resources. Facilities include private and shared maternity suites, outpatient clinics, and surgical theatres. Guidance is available for pre-admission, visitor policies, and community support connections.
Digital Tools and Accessibility
While BC Women’s does not have its own comprehensive mobile app, resources from PHSA and related provincial services (such as the BC Women’s Health Research Institute and BC Children’s apps) are available to patients and families. The hospital maintains an accessible website with information about services, programs, clinic hours, and referral requirements.
What Patients Should Know
As a referral centre, some services require physician referrals and wait times can vary, particularly for surgical or specialty programs. Patients coming from outside Metro Vancouver may need to plan travel, lodging, and family support. Emergency obstetric and neonatal services are available 24/7. The hospital remains a cornerstone of women’s health in BC, combining clinical expertise, education, and compassionate care.
