UBC Hospital
UBC Hospital, operated by Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), is a major healthcare facility located on the University of British Columbia campus. It provides a mix of inpatient, outpatient and surgical services, while also serving as a hub for advanced research and teaching. The hospital includes surgical units, an urgent care centre, and specialized programs that address complex health conditions.
Key Clinical Programs
UBC Hospital offers several specialized services. The Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health provides neurology and psychiatry clinics. The Sleep Disorders Program is recognized for diagnosis and management of complex sleep conditions. The Bladder Care Centre and Chronic Pain Program offer multidisciplinary treatment options. The hospital also has units focused on geriatric medicine and neuropsychiatry, serving as referral centres for patients across BC.
Surgical and Outpatient Services
The hospital houses surgical suites supporting orthopedic, urologic and other elective surgeries. Outpatient clinics deliver ongoing care for neurological, psychiatric, and chronic illness patients. The urgent care centre provides assessment and treatment for non-life-threatening emergencies, offering an alternative to traditional emergency departments.
Research and Education
As part of the UBC campus, the hospital is strongly connected with the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine. It supports clinical research and the training of medical students, residents, and allied health professionals. Research initiatives focus on brain health, sleep science, geriatric care, and chronic pain management.
Patient-Centred Approach
Care at UBC Hospital emphasizes patient and family engagement, cultural safety, and multidisciplinary teamwork. Patients benefit from access to advanced diagnostic imaging, rehabilitation services, pharmacy, and dietetics support. Efforts are made to provide seamless transitions between inpatient, outpatient, and community-based care.
Important Notes
Most specialty services at UBC Hospital require physician referral. Wait times may vary depending on demand and program capacity. Patients from outside Metro Vancouver should plan for transportation and possible accommodation during treatment. Despite these challenges, UBC Hospital remains an essential centre for both specialized care and academic medicine in British Columbia.