Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 30+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.
Athabasca Healthcare Centre is a 27-bed acute care and continuing care facility located at 3100 48 Avenue in Athabasca, Alberta, approximately 145 km north of Edmonton. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists who triage patients using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). As a rural facility operated by Alberta Health Services, it serves residents of Athabasca and the surrounding region, and can stabilize patients requiring a higher level of care before arranging transport to a larger centre.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, General Medicine (Inpatient), Laboratory Services, General Radiography (X-Ray), Pharmacy Services, Respiratory Therapy, Physical Therapy (Physiotherapy), Occupational Therapy, Speech and Language Services, Social Work, Pediatrics, Palliative Care, Continuing Care Services, Addiction Services (Adult and Youth Counselling), Indigenous Wellness Core Program, Interpreter and Translation Services, Patient Stabilization and Inter-Facility Transfer, Therapeutic Recreation Services.
Amenities
Cafeteria (food available for purchase; supper available by request)
Gift Shop
Inpatient/Clinical Pharmacy
Patient Information Desk (Front Foyer, Monday–Friday 8:45 am–10:45 pm)
Call ahead at 780-675-6000 if you are unsure whether your condition requires an ER visit — staff can help guide you.
For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe bleeding, call 911 immediately rather than driving yourself.
As a rural facility, patients with highly complex needs (major trauma, advanced cardiac, or stroke) may be stabilized here and then transferred to a larger Edmonton-area hospital — knowing this in advance can help you plan.
Interpreter and translation services are available at no cost — inform staff at triage if you or your family member requires language assistance.
Visiting hours are 11:00 am to 8:00 pm daily — plan family or support visits accordingly, and note that visiting rules in the ER may differ from inpatient units.
Bring all current medications or a detailed medication list to your visit, as the on-site pharmacy primarily serves inpatients and long-term care residents.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence)
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
List of all current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Health benefits or supplemental insurance information
Payment method for any non-covered services or purchases
Comfort items for potentially long waits (water bottle, snacks, phone charger)
A support person or emergency contact information
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Athabasca Healthcare Centre emergency department open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at Athabasca Healthcare Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
What happens if my condition is too serious to be treated at Athabasca Healthcare Centre?
The emergency team can stabilize patients and arrange transport to a higher-level care facility — typically a larger hospital in the Edmonton area — if your condition requires services or specialists not available on-site.
Does Athabasca Healthcare Centre offer interpreter services in the emergency department?
Yes, interpreter and translation services are available for non-English-speaking patients. Let the triage staff know at check-in that you require language assistance.
How are patients prioritized in the Athabasca Healthcare Centre ER?
Patients are assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), which ranks urgency from 1 (most critical) to 5 (least urgent). This means patients with life-threatening conditions are seen before those with minor concerns, regardless of arrival order.
Is there a pharmacy at Athabasca Healthcare Centre that I can use?
There is an on-site pharmacy, but it primarily provides clinical services and medications to inpatients and long-term care residents. It may not function as a public retail pharmacy. Contact the facility at 780-675-6000 to confirm availability for outpatient needs.
Does Athabasca Healthcare Centre have services for Indigenous patients?
Yes, the facility includes an Indigenous Wellness Core program designed to support the cultural and health needs of Indigenous patients and their families. Speak with hospital staff for more information about accessing these services.