Royal Columbian Hospital Help for Calls, Clinics and Arrival
Royal Columbian Hospital is a busy regional hospital in New Westminster. The fastest way to avoid confusion is to confirm the right entrance, phone route, appointment type, parking plan and tower before you travel.
This guide is written for real patients and visitors: short steps, exact official links, phone scripts, entrance notes, imaging instructions, lab booking help, health records and local tips for the Sapperton hospital campus.
Fast Answer: Address, Phone and Appointment Route
Royal Columbian Hospital address: 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 3W7.
Main phone: 604-520-4253. The hospital is listed as open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. For critical or life-threatening symptoms, call 911 or go to Emergency.
Appointment rule: Royal Columbian does not have one public booking button for every service. Use your referral, requisition, appointment letter or the official Fraser Health service page for the department you need.
Main address
330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster.
Switchboard
604-520-4253 for general hospital routing.
Emergency
Emergency and main entrance are in the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower area.
Transit tip
Sapperton SkyTrain Station is close to the hospital campus.
What Are You Trying to Do Right Now?
Pick the closest task. Each route below gives you the shortest safe next step and the official page to use.
What This Refresh Fixes
Most thin hospital pages stop at address and phone. This version is built around the actual search intent: “How do I contact the hospital, book or change an appointment, find the new entrance, park, prepare, visit, get records, and avoid going to the wrong place?”
SERP gap fixed
Search results show many directories, parking pages and old PDFs. This guide prioritizes Fraser Health official pages and warns when old map/PDF details should not be treated as current.
New entrance added
The Emergency Department and main entrance are now tied to the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, so the page uses current entrance guidance.
Micro-steps added
Appointment, X-ray, MRI, lab, records, NICU, parking and complaint routes now each have “what to do next” instructions.
Address, Entrance and Building Check
Use the main address for maps, but do not stop there. Royal Columbian has multiple buildings, towers, zones and parkades, and the new Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower changes how many patients and visitors arrive.
Phone Numbers and Call Routing
The main switchboard is useful, but it is not the fastest path for every question. Use the department phone when you know your test, clinic or document request.
| What you need | Official contact | What to say or prepare |
|---|---|---|
| Main hospital routing | 604-520-4253 | Ask for the exact unit, clinic, tower or department named on your paperwork. |
| X-ray booking/change | 604-520-4640 | Have your requisition form and Personal Health Number ready. |
| MRI confirmation | 604-523-8886 | Leave name, Personal Health Number, phone number and MRI date if instructed. |
| MRI change/cancel | 604-520-4767 RCHMRI@fraserhealth.ca |
MRI is referral-based. If emailing, be ready to reply to the consent message before they can respond. |
| Lab questions | 604-520-4300 Booking help: 1-888-442-5227 |
Book online when possible. Some tests require an appointment or fasting. |
| Health Records | 604-520-4431 RCHROI@fraserhealth.ca |
Use for records/release questions, not urgent care or appointment booking. |
| Parking hardship help | 604-930-5440 LMCParking@fraserhealth.ca |
Ask your unit social worker or Parking Administration about case-by-case permits. |
| Care-quality concern | 604-476-7844 1-877-880-8823 pcqoffice@fraserhealth.ca |
Try the care team or manager first when possible. Keep names, dates and details. |
Simple call script for appointments
Hello, I have an appointment/requisition for Royal Columbian Hospital. My name is [name], my Personal Health Number is [PHN], and the service is [clinic/test]. Can you confirm the building, floor, arrival time, and anything I need to bring?
Simple call script for visitors
Hello, I am trying to visit [patient full name] in [unit/room if known]. Can you tell me the best entrance, visiting instructions, and whether there are any current restrictions for that unit?
Emergency, Virtual Care or Appointment?
Choosing the wrong path can waste time. Use Emergency for critical symptoms, Fraser Health Virtual Care or 8-1-1 for non-emergency advice, and referral/service pages for planned appointments.
Critical or life-threatening
Call 911 or go to the Emergency Department. Examples include severe breathing trouble, severe bleeding, stroke signs, chest pain, major injury or sudden serious symptoms.
Check Fraser Health care optionsNot sure where to go?
Fraser Health Virtual Care answers general health questions from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week at 1-800-314-0999. Outside hours, call 8-1-1.
Open Fraser Health Virtual CarePlanned clinic/test
Use your referral, requisition or appointment letter. Many Royal Columbian services are specialist or requisition-based, so the hospital may contact you after receiving documents.
Find official RCH servicesRoyal Columbian Appointment Micro-Steps
This section is designed for people who search “Royal Columbian Hospital appointment” and need a practical route, not a generic answer.
Is it Emergency, X-ray, MRI, lab, surgery, maternity, specialist clinic, mental health, health records, or a follow-up after discharge?
MRI needs physician referral and requisition. Many specialist clinics also require a referring provider.
The main hospital listing is useful, but service-specific pages contain the phone number, floor, booking rule and preparation details.
Have your legal name, date of birth, Personal Health Number, referring provider, appointment date, test name and requisition ready.
Ask for building, tower, zone, floor, registration desk, parking/dropping-off route and whether you need to arrive early.
Take screenshots of your appointment letter, the official service page and the hospital map.
X-ray and MRI: Exact User Steps
X-ray and MRI are common search intents for Royal Columbian, but they work differently. Use the correct route so you do not arrive without a needed appointment or referral.
| Service | What official source says | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| X-ray | X-rays are available by appointment or walk-in based on capacity. Appointments are recommended to reduce wait time. | Call 604-520-4640. Bring your requisition form. If your provider faxes it, they may contact you with the date/time. |
| X-ray location | Medical Imaging, main floor of Columbia Tower, Blue Zone. From the Health Care Centre main foyer, follow the blue line to Medical Imaging. | Ask “Which entrance should I use for the Columbia Tower Blue Zone?” if you are unsure. |
| MRI | MRI requires physician referral and requisition. Once received, Royal Columbian contacts the patient. No drop-ins. | Wait for appointment contact. If recently scheduled, confirm at 604-523-8886. |
| MRI change/cancel | Email changes/cancellations to RCHMRI@fraserhealth.ca or call 604-520-4767. | If emailing, reply “Yes, I consent” to the consent email before expecting appointment details by email. |
| Interpreter help | X-ray page notes an interpreter can be requested when booking if you cannot have medical conversations in English. | Ask for interpreter support when booking, not at the last minute. |
Lab Appointments: Book Online, Walk-In Rules and Fasting
Royal Columbian lab searches often come from people who only need blood or urine collection. The lab has its own booking and hours, so do not treat it like a general hospital appointment.
Lab booking route
Fraser Health says lab appointments can be booked online. If you cannot book online, call 1-888-442-5227. Walk-ins are still accepted, but booking is strongly recommended to reduce wait time.
Book a lab appointment onlineLab location and phone
The Royal Columbian lab is listed at 330 East Columbia Street, located on the main floor of the Health Care Centre. Phone: 604-520-4300.
Open official lab pageBefore You Leave Home: 12-Point Checklist
Use this checklist even if you are comfortable with phones and maps. Hospital visits become stressful when parking, elevators, forms or instructions are unclear.
Confirm these details
- Exact service: Emergency, clinic, X-ray, MRI, lab, records or visiting.
- Building or tower: Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, Health Care Centre, Columbia Tower or another area.
- Zone, floor, room and registration desk.
- Appointment time versus arrival time.
- Whether you need a requisition, referral, fasting or medication instruction.
- Parking/parkade route or SkyTrain plan.
Bring these items
- BC Services Card or health coverage details.
- Appointment letter, referral, requisition or discharge papers.
- Medication list, allergies and pharmacy name.
- Photo ID if requested.
- Phone charger, glasses/hearing aids and mobility aids.
- Caregiver contact and parking payment method.
Parking, Drop-Off and Transit
Royal Columbian parking is a major user pain point. Confirm current signs on-site, but use this section to plan your route before travelling.
| Arrival item | Practical detail | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| New tower parking | Parking is available in the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower parkade. Fraser Health says entry is from Sherbrooke Street or Keary Street. | Use this if your service or Emergency route points to the new tower. |
| Other parking | Fraser Health lists parkades for the Health Care Centre and Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre, plus surface parking outside the new main entrance. | Choose the closest lot to your building, not just the first stall you see. |
| Payment methods | Pay Station, hangTag app and hangTag Park + Pay are listed as payment options. | Pay or set up parking before going upstairs if you are close to appointment time. |
| Listed rates | Fraser Health pages list first hour $4.25, each additional hour $3.50, day rate $11.25 where applicable, and evenings $5.25. | Check on-site signage; parking prices and lot rules can change. |
| Financial hardship | Case-by-case permits may be available. Contact Parking Administration at 604-930-5440 or LMCParking@fraserhealth.ca. | Ask the unit social worker early if a long stay or frequent visits will be hard to afford. |
| Transit | Public transportation by bus and SkyTrain is available. | Sapperton SkyTrain Station is often easier than driving during busy parking periods. |
Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower: What Patients Should Know
Official Fraser Health updates and redevelopment PDFs show why old entrance advice can be confusing. The new tower adds emergency, inpatient, surgical, cardiac, obstetrical and medical imaging capacity, so your appointment letter matters.
Emergency on Level 1
Fraser Health’s tower-level PDF shows Emergency and medical imaging on Level 1. The current hospital listing also says Emergency and the main entrance are in the tower.
Interventional floor
The tower PDF describes a surgical and interventional “superfloor,” with operating rooms, interventional radiology and cardiac suites.
Obstetrics and NICU
The redevelopment PDF describes a larger Obstetrics Unit co-located with the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.
Private-room focus
The official 2026 overview says most patient beds in the tower are single-patient private rooms with ensuite washrooms and natural light.
Parking upgrades
The PDF says transportation improvements include more than 350 underground parking stalls, EV charging, digital full/available signage and bike parking.
Use as orientation only
PDF level diagrams can become outdated. Always follow your appointment letter and current hospital signage on the day you arrive.
NICU Family Details from the Official PDF
This section is only for families whose baby is in, or may be transferred to, Royal Columbian NICU. It converts the official NICU family PDF into simple next steps.
| NICU question | Official PDF detail | Simple next step |
|---|---|---|
| Where is RCH NICU? | The PDF lists Royal Columbian NICU on the 2nd floor of the hospital in the Health Care Center. | Ask your baby’s nurse which entrance/elevator is best with the current tower changes. |
| NICU phone | The PDF lists telephone 604-520-4578. | Use this for NICU-specific family questions when appropriate. |
| Parents | The PDF says parents are essential members of the baby’s care team and are welcome in the NICU anytime. | Ask your baby’s nurse how you can participate in care, rounds, feeding and skin-to-skin time. |
| Visitors | Visitors under 12 are limited to siblings, and visitors are limited to two people per baby at a time including parents. | Confirm current infection-control rules before inviting family. |
| Hand hygiene | Parents and visitors are asked to wash hands up to elbows before entering and complete daily visitor health screening. | Plan extra time at the entrance and unit before seeing the baby. |
| Parking/support | The PDF notes limited neighbourhood parking and says the NICU Social Worker can help with extended parking and accommodation information. | Ask the NICU Social Worker early if parking, lodging or family support is becoming difficult. |
Visitors, Caregivers and Comfort Details
Royal Columbian lists open visiting hours, but “open” still depends on the patient’s condition, unit rules, infection control and the need for rest.
Open visiting
Open visiting does not mean crowding, loud visits or unlimited visitors in every unit. Ask the unit before visiting ICU, maternity, NICU, mental health or Emergency.
Do not visit when sick
If you are not feeling well or were exposed to infectious illness, do not visit. Call the unit and ask about safe alternatives.
Smoke-free and scent-free
Fraser Health lists Royal Columbian as smoke-free and scent-free. Avoid perfume, cologne and strongly scented flowers.
Send well wishes
Fraser Health says you can email a message with the patient’s full name, unit and room number to youvegotmail.rch@fraserhealth.ca for volunteer hand delivery.
Café and gift shop
Royal Columbian lists Eyáleq’ep Café, a gift shop and support services. Check current hours before relying on a food stop.
Ask the care team
If you need spiritual care, ethics consultation, interpreter support or social work help, ask the unit or health care provider.
Health Records, Reports and Release Requests
Health Records is separate from appointment booking. Use it for record-release questions, copies and documentation support.
Care Concerns, Compliments or Complaints
If you have a care concern, start where the concern happened when possible. Fraser Health says care concerns are best addressed at the time and place they occur, then escalated to the Patient Care Quality Office if unresolved.
First step
Speak with the care provider, charge nurse, clinic desk or manager. Write down names, dates, what happened and what was agreed.
If unresolved
Contact Fraser Health Patient Care Quality Office: 604-476-7844, 1-877-880-8823, or pcqoffice@fraserhealth.ca.
Common Problems and Quick Fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Quick fix |
|---|---|---|
| You reached the wrong entrance | Old directions, new tower opening, or incomplete appointment letter. | Ask information/volunteers for Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, Health Care Centre, Columbia Tower or your exact clinic. |
| You cannot book MRI yourself | MRI requires physician referral and requisition. | Contact your referring provider, then use RCH MRI confirmation/change instructions after scheduling. |
| X-ray walk-in wait is long | Walk-ins are based on capacity. | Call 604-520-4640 to book if possible. |
| Lab says special test needs appointment | Some tests require appointment or preparation. | Read requisition, book online, or call 1-888-442-5227. |
| Parking is expensive for repeated visits | Hospital parking accumulates quickly. | Ask unit social worker or Parking Administration about hardship permits. |
| You need records after discharge | Records requests are handled by Health Records, not the main unit. | Call 604-520-4431 or email RCHROI@fraserhealth.ca. |
Map to Royal Columbian Hospital
This map is for the main hospital address. Your appointment letter or Fraser Health service page may still direct you to a specific tower, zone, parkade or entrance.
Official Links Used in This Guide
Use these after reading the relevant section above. They are official or directly useful source pages for Royal Columbian planning.
Official Royal Columbian Hospital page — address, phone, services, visiting notes, parking and hospital advisory New Emergency Department, main entrance and parking notice — Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower update Royal Columbian interactive map — hospital departments and wayfinding Royal Columbian X-ray page — booking phone, requisition and Blue Zone directions Royal Columbian MRI page — referral, confirmation, change/cancel and no-drop-in rules Royal Columbian lab page — booking, walk-in, location and hours Royal Columbian Health Records page — phone, fax, email and hours Fraser Health Virtual Care — health questions when you are unsure where to seek care Patient Care Quality Office — unresolved care-quality concerns 2026 Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower overview PDF — capacity, services, parking and design notes RCH NICU Information for Families PDF — parent, visitor, parking and support detailsRelated Canada Hospital Guides
These internal guides were selected because they are live CanadaHospitals.org hospital appointment guides, not random filler links.
Independent Guide Notice
CanadaHospitals.org is an independent hospital navigation guide. It does not book appointments, provide medical advice, access patient records, process complaints, or replace Fraser Health instructions. For urgent symptoms, call 911 or follow emergency guidance from qualified health professionals.
Royal Columbian Hospital FAQs
What is the address for Royal Columbian Hospital?
Royal Columbian Hospital is located at 330 East Columbia Street, New Westminster, B.C. V3L 3W7.
What is the main phone number for Royal Columbian Hospital?
The main Royal Columbian Hospital phone number is 604-520-4253. Use it for general routing to a unit, clinic or department when you do not have a direct number.
Is Royal Columbian Hospital open 24 hours?
Yes. Fraser Health lists the hospital as open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Individual clinics, labs, records and offices can have different hours.
Where is the Emergency Department at Royal Columbian Hospital?
Fraser Health says the Emergency Department is located on the main floor of the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower. For critical or life-threatening conditions, call 911.
How do I book an appointment at Royal Columbian Hospital?
Royal Columbian appointments depend on the service. Many specialist clinics, MRI tests and hospital services require referral or requisition. Start with your appointment letter, referring provider or the official Fraser Health service page.
How do I book an X-ray at Royal Columbian Hospital?
Call 604-520-4640 to book or change an X-ray appointment. Bring your requisition form. Walk-ins may be available based on capacity, but appointments are recommended to reduce wait time.
Can I walk in for an MRI at Royal Columbian Hospital?
No. MRI requires physician referral and requisition. Once Royal Columbian receives the requisition, the hospital contacts the patient with an appointment date and time.
How do I book lab work at Royal Columbian Hospital?
Book online through the lab appointment system when possible. If you cannot book online, call 1-888-442-5227. Walk-ins are accepted, but booking is strongly recommended.
Where can I park at Royal Columbian Hospital?
Fraser Health lists parking outside the new main entrance and in parkades for the Jim Pattison Acute Care Tower, Health Care Centre and Mental Health and Substance Use Wellness Centre. Check current signage and rates before relying on a price.
How do I contact Royal Columbian Health Records?
Royal Columbian Health Records can be reached at 604-520-4431. Fraser Health also lists fax 604-520-4724 and email RCHROI@fraserhealth.ca.
Source note: This guide was rebuilt from official Fraser Health Royal Columbian Hospital pages, Fraser Health service pages, Fraser Health tower notices/PDFs, Perinatal Services BC NICU information and verified CanadaHospitals.org internal guide URLs. Always verify time-sensitive details directly with Fraser Health before travelling or calling.