No other hospitals within 100 km. If non-urgent, consider calling 811 or seeing a pharmacist.
Before you go, check if a pharmacist can help
Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 30+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
Slave Lake Healthcare Centre is a fully integrated 24/7 emergency department serving Slave Lake and the surrounding northern Alberta communities within Treaty 8 territory, operated by Alberta Health Services. The facility combines acute care, continuing care, and community health services under one roof, offering a broad range of diagnostic and treatment capabilities including lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and respiratory therapy. Patients whose needs exceed on-site capabilities can be stabilized and transferred to a higher-level care facility, with medevac access supported through Slave Lake Airport.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Triage using Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging (X-ray), General medicine, Pharmacy, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Respiratory therapy, Hemodialysis, Obstetrics (prenatal, perinatal, postnatal, surgical), Pediatrics, Audiology, Oral health, Sexual and travel health, Palliative and respite care, Day surgery, Long-term continuing care, Home Care, Nutrition services, Immunizations, Indigenous Hospital Support Services, Breastfeeding clinic, Ambulatory services, Stabilization and medevac transfer coordination.
Call 811 (HealthLink) before heading to the ER if you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency — it is free, available 24/7, and can save you a long wait.
The ED direct line is 780-805-3501 if you need to speak with emergency staff before arriving.
Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), so the most critical cases are treated first — arriving with a less urgent condition may mean a longer wait.
If your condition requires a higher level of care, the centre can stabilize you and coordinate transfer, including medevac via Slave Lake Airport — let staff know if you have concerns.
For primary care needs that are not emergencies, the Slave Lake Family Care Clinic may be a more appropriate and faster option for local residents.
What to Bring
Alberta Health Care Insurance (AHCIP) card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications including dosages
List of known allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Provincial health coverage or private insurance information
Emergency contact name and phone number
Comfortable clothing and a small personal bag for extended waits
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for the Slave Lake Healthcare Centre emergency department?
The direct ED line is 780-805-3501. The main hospital number is 780-805-3500. For non-emergency health advice, call 811 (HealthLink) anytime, free of charge.
Does Slave Lake Healthcare Centre offer obstetric care?
Yes. The centre provides prenatal, perinatal, postnatal, and surgical obstetrics care, including support for low-risk pregnancies of more than 36 weeks and breastfeeding assistance.
What happens if my condition is too serious to be treated at Slave Lake Healthcare Centre?
The emergency team can stabilize you and coordinate a transfer to a higher-level care facility. Slave Lake Airport hosts a medevac base, enabling air transport across Alberta when required.
Does the centre offer services for Indigenous patients?
Yes. Slave Lake Healthcare Centre provides Indigenous Hospital Support Services, and the facility is located within Treaty 8 territory. Staff can help connect patients with culturally appropriate supports.
Are mental health and addiction services available at Slave Lake Healthcare Centre?
Mental health and addiction services are available in Slave Lake through Recovery Alberta, located at the Slave Lake Government Centre & Library — a separate site from the healthcare centre. The Community Helpers Program provides additional local supports.
What are the visiting hours at Slave Lake Healthcare Centre?
General visiting hours are 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM, seven days a week. Contact the facility at 780-805-3500 if you have specific questions about visiting a patient in a particular unit.