Health Topics
Health Topics contains information about women's most common health issues. Has information about having a baby, getting pregnant, your body, sexual health or browse the A-Z health topics.
Clinics and Health Services
If you are visiting Clinics or any of the Health Services, please see the programs for their hours and locations. View information about the primary maternity and family care we provide.
Hospital Care
If you are planning on having a baby at the hospital, please see Hospital Care for more information. Or, you can view the Family Information Package (PDF). For comprehensive information on having a baby at BC Women's visit the Having a Baby section.
Prenatal tour of BC Women's
Take a virtual prenatal tour of BC Women's.
Parking
Check our parking brochure for information about parking on site.
Accessibility
Our facility is wheelchair accessible. We have delivery and postpartum rooms available to meet the needs of physically challenged mothers and support persons.
Visiting Hours
Before the Birth (Antepartum).
Family is welcome 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Your children are welcome in the care of another adult. Please do not invite children other than yours.
Special requests can be made to the charge nurse. Please limit the number of your visitors at any one time for the comfort and rest of yourself and your roommate.
Anyone who has an infectious illness (such as a respiratory infection, tuberculosis, German measles, chicken pox, or a skin infection) must not visit you
After the Birth (Postpartum)
12 noon to 2:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Please ask your family and friends to respect these visiting hours as you need quiet time as a new family to recover from birth and begin to learn about your baby.
Partners and brothers and sisters of the new baby may visit any time. Please do not have children other than yours visit.
Anyone who has an infectious illness (such as a respiratory infection, tuberculosis, German measles, chicken pox, or a skin infection) must not visit you and your newborn.
The BC Women's Visiting Hour phone line is 604-875-2929.
Bright Start Bundle
BC Women's is pleased to offer the option of a private or semi-private room after your baby is born and based on availability. Daily charges apply, but your extended health insurance may cover the expense. Find out more about our Bright Start Bundle program.
Cell Phones
The use of cellular phones is not permitted inside the facility, as they can interfere with our sensitive medical equipment. Please ensure that your phone is turned off at all times while in the building.rnet
Internet Access
BC Women's is pleased to offer our patients and families free wireless internet access. When at the Oak Street site, simply connect to the wireless network called "CWGuest". Open your web browser and before you are connected with the Internet, you will be asked to agree to our terms and conditions.
Smoking
BC Women's is a fully smoke-free site. Smoking is not permitted in the building or on the grounds. For more information, visit the Smoke-Free page.
Fire Safety
Alarms will sound when a fire or fire drill occurs at BC Women's or BC Children's Hospital. Staff will tell you what to do. BC Women's is part of the city-wide Emergency Disaster Plan. If a major disaster occurs, you may be discharged home earlier than expected to make beds available for disaster victims.
Security
BC Women's has 24-hour security. Guards conduct routine patrols of the facility. If you need help or wish to report anything suspicious, speak to a staff member or call Security at local 2999 (non-emergency) or 8400 (emergency).
We recommend that you keep $20 or less with you while you are staying with us. BC Women's cannot be responsible for any lost or stolen articles.
Some women do not want others to know that they are in the hospital. We do not give specific information about you or your baby to callers, but if someone calls we will take messages or put calls through to your room. If you do not want people to know you are here, please ask the admitting clerk about a Privacy Block when you are admitted to the hospital.
Banking Machines
Banking machines are available near the main cafeteria, in the main lobby of Children's Hospital and the lobby of BC Children’s Ambulatory Care Building.
Television / Telephone
The family educational television program is free at BC Women's. There is a charge for regular cable television and telephone unless you request our Bright Start Bundle. Someone will discuss payment with you before you leave the hospital.
Food Services
Morrison Healthcare Food Services provides food services at BC Women’s. You will be served three well balanced meals and a morning and evening snack. A catering associate will offer you a menu choice before meals. If you have food allergies or special diet needs, talk to your nurse.
Hot meals and snacks are available for visitors in the “SHY Café" in the Shaughnessy building. “On the Go Bistro” featuring Tim Hortons is located in BC Women’s lobby. “Second Cup” is located in the BC Children’s Hospital lobby and “Starbucks” is located in the Ambulatory Care Building across from the main entrance of BC Children’s Hospital. Vending machines, at various locations, provide after hours service.
Baby Photos
BC Women's Hospital offers a baby photo service for families. "Is it a Boy or Girl" provides the baby photo service and a portion from every Photo and Internet Package purchased while in the hospital is returned to the Women’s Auxiliary.
Information is available in all the postpartum units or by calling 604-430-3740 Monday to Saturday, 9 am to 6 pm or online at www.boyorgirl.ca.
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop is in the main lobby of BC Women's. The shop offers baby clothing and gifts, flowers, reading materials, sanipads, nursing bras, infant car seats, manual and electric breast
pumps and other items for patients and visitors.
Monday -Thursday: 10:00 am - 4:00 p.m. & 6:30-8:00 p.m.*
Friday and Saturday: 10:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. & 6:30-8:00 p.m.
Sunday & Holidays: Closed
*Note: evening shifts depend upon the availability of volunteers and cannot be guaranteed.
Auxiliary Volunteers offer a gift cart service to patient rooms Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings.
Infection Control
To prevent the spread of infectious disease, BC Women's has specific procedures to care for pregnant women who are suffering from an infectious illness, like respiratory infections, tuberculosis, German measles, chicken pox, or skin infections.
If you have an infectious illness when you are admitted to BC Women's, be sure to tell the nurse who admits you. You may meet with an Infection Control Practitioner to discuss your care.
Visitors suffering from an infectious disease must not visit.