Bow Island Health Centre

Bow Island, AB · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Note: The main front door is locked after 9:00 pm — use the phone in the entry vestibule to reach the Nurse's Station for after-hours access.

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Bow Island

Last updated: recently · View all Alberta hospitals →

About Bow Island Health Centre

Bow Island Health Centre, located at 938 Centre St in Bow Island, Alberta, is a combined acute care and continuing care facility serving Bow Island and the surrounding rural communities of southeastern Alberta. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing assessment, treatment, stabilization, and referral services for patients of all ages. Patients who require a higher level of care are stabilized on-site and transferred to an appropriate facility, such as Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department Acute and sub-acute medicine Triage using Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) Patient stabilization and transport coordination General radiography (X-ray) — Monday to Friday, 8:15 am–4:15 pm Laboratory and outpatient collection services (weekdays) Adult outpatient and community physiotherapy Occupational therapy Addiction and Mental Health – Community Addiction Services Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) Best Babies program Building Blocks program Continuing care with 24/7 residential nursing Respite and day programs for community-based clients Podiatry, social work, and pastoral counselling (continuing care) Interpreter and translation services

Amenities

Parking & Transit

Free on-site parking is available at 938 Centre St. The facility is wheelchair accessible. No specific accessible parking details are confirmed; contact the facility directly if you have accessibility requirements.

Bow Island is a small rural community with no confirmed public transit service. Visitors should plan to arrive by personal or private vehicle.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, rural emergency departments tend to be less busy on weekday mornings and early afternoons. If your condition is non-urgent, consider calling 811 (Health Link) for advice before visiting.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait data is available for Bow Island Health Centre. As with most ERs, evenings and weekends can sometimes see higher volumes. Call ahead at 403-545-3200 if you are unsure whether an ER visit is necessary.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Bow Island Health Centre's emergency department open around the clock?
Yes, the emergency department at Bow Island Health Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the front entrance locks at 9:00 pm. After hours, use the phone in the entry vestibule to reach the Nurse's Station for access.
What happens if I need care beyond what Bow Island Health Centre can provide?
The emergency team will assess and stabilize you, then arrange transport to a facility that can provide the higher level of care you need — typically Medicine Hat Regional Hospital.
Are X-ray and laboratory services available at this facility?
Yes. General radiography (X-ray) is available Monday through Friday, 8:15 am to 4:15 pm. Laboratory and outpatient collection services are also available on-site on weekdays; the lab is closed on weekends and statutory holidays. Walk-in lab visits are accepted until 30 minutes before closing.
Does Bow Island Health Centre offer mental health or addiction services?
Yes. The facility offers Community Addiction Services and hosts a Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), which provides voluntary, confidential support for individuals of any gender experiencing domestic violence, at no cost.
Can I get a meal or snack while waiting in the emergency department?
The cafeteria is open from 7:00 am to 7:00 pm, seven days a week. Vending machines are also available on-site for times outside cafeteria hours.
Is translation or interpreter service available at this ER?
Yes. Interpreter and translation services are available at Bow Island Health Centre to help ensure all patients can communicate effectively with their care team.

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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

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

↗ Open Live Map