Big Country Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. As a general guideline, rural emergency departments in small towns like Oyen tend to be less congested on weekday mornings and early afternoons. For non-urgent concerns, calling Health Link 811 first can help you determine the best time and place to seek care.

Busier times: No historical wait data is available for Big Country Hospital. Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher patient volumes. For non-emergency concerns, consider scheduling an outpatient appointment during regular business hours.

About Big Country Hospital

Big Country Hospital is a 24/7 acute and continuing care facility located in Oyen, Alberta, serving residents across a vast area of east-central Alberta near the Saskatchewan border. The emergency department provides stabilization and care for major trauma, cardiac events, injuries, and general medical problems, with access to higher levels of care via ground or air ambulance transfer when needed. With 10 acute care beds and a broad range of outpatient services, Big Country Hospital is the primary healthcare resource for Oyen and surrounding rural communities, and is best suited for patients requiring emergency stabilization, low-risk acute care, and general medical treatment.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Emergency stabilization and triage (CTAS), Acute care medicine, Pediatric care, Low-risk obstetrical care, Palliative care, Respite care, Rehabilitative care, Minor surgical and medical procedures (outpatient), General Radiography (X-Ray), Diagnostic Imaging with PACS system, Ultrasound (select services via local physicians), Laboratory Services (on-site and referral), Adult Outpatient & Community Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Respiratory Therapy (Outpatients/Community), Speech Language Pathology (Adults and Children), Audiology and Children's Allied Health Services, Nutrition Counselling (Adult and Pediatric), Therapeutic Recreation, Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), Continuing Care (15 beds).

Amenities

• Cafeteria Services
• Patient Food Services
• Wheelchair-accessible entry
• Private and semi-private rooms (continuing care unit)

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Call Health Link 811 before visiting for non-emergency health questions — a registered nurse can advise whether an ER visit is necessary.
• If you require highly specialized care such as advanced cardiac intervention, trauma surgery, or stroke treatment, be aware you may be transferred to a larger regional centre. Bring a list of your medications and emergency contacts.
• The Outpatient Department offers minor surgical and medical procedures by appointment — contact the hospital at 403-664-4300 to determine if your concern can be handled as a scheduled visit rather than an ER visit.
• Patients experiencing domestic violence can request a referral to the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) at the emergency department — participation is voluntary, confidential, and free.
• Because Oyen is a rural community with no public transit, plan your transportation in advance, especially in winter months when road conditions across east-central Alberta can be hazardous.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance Card (AHCIC)
• Government-issued photo ID
• Complete list of current medications and dosages
• List of known allergies
• Name and contact information for your family doctor or regular physician
• Emergency contact information for a family member or friend
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Comfortable clothing and entertainment (book, phone charger) in case of a wait

Frequently Asked Questions

About ER Wait Times

Emergency departments use triage. Patients with more serious conditions are seen first, regardless of arrival time.

Wait times are estimates based on Alberta health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.