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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)
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
Does Big Country Hospital have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes, Big Country Hospital in Oyen, Alberta operates a 24/7 emergency department. Emergency staff are available around the clock to care for patients with major trauma, cardiac events, injuries, and general medical problems.
What happens if I need specialized care that Big Country Hospital cannot provide?
If your condition requires a higher level of care — such as advanced cardiac intervention, trauma surgery, or specialized stroke treatment — the team at Big Country Hospital will arrange transfer to a larger regional centre via ground ambulance or air transport.
Does Big Country Hospital offer laboratory and imaging services on-site?
Yes. The hospital has an on-site medical laboratory capable of a broad range of tests, with referral laboratories used for tests not available locally. The Diagnostic Imaging Department features a modernized PACS system with digital equipment, and some ultrasound services are available through local physicians.
What is the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) at Big Country Hospital?
The DART program at Big Country Hospital provides specialized support to patients of all genders who are experiencing domestic violence. You do not need to be in crisis to access support — simply request a referral at the emergency department. Participation is entirely voluntary and at no cost.
How are patients prioritized in the Big Country Hospital emergency department?
Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), a standardized national system that assigns priority based on the urgency of each patient's condition. This ensures that the most critical cases are seen first.
Is there a foundation that supports Big Country Hospital?
Yes. The Oyen & District Health Care Foundation is a volunteer organization dedicated to improving healthcare quality at Big Country Hospital. It funds and updates medical equipment tailored to the needs of rural medicine in the Oyen district and surrounding area.