Cardston Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, rural emergency departments tend to be less congested during mid-morning on weekdays. For non-life-threatening concerns, calling ahead at 403-653-5234 can help you understand current conditions.

Busier times: No historical wait data is available for Cardston Health Centre. As with most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher patient volumes. If your condition is not immediately life-threatening, weekday mornings are typically a lower-volume option.

About Cardston Health Centre

Cardston Health Centre is an acute and continuing care facility located at 144 2 Street W in Cardston, Alberta, serving residents of Cardston County and surrounding rural communities in the AHS South Zone. 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). This facility is well suited for urgent and emergent conditions, with the ability to stabilize patients and arrange transfer to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for higher-acuity or specialized care when required.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, General Surgery (day surgery for adults), Obstetrics, Palliative Care, Inpatient and Outpatient Physiotherapy, General Diagnostic Imaging (X-Ray), Addiction and Mental Health – Opioid Dependency Program, Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) – Methadone and Suboxone®, 24/7 Residential Continuing Care / Long-Term Care, STARS Air Ambulance (regional air transport), Interpreter and Translation Services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (open 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM, seven days a week)
• Vending machines
• Diagnostic Imaging / X-Ray walk-in (Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, with doctor's order)
• Wheelchair-accessible main entrance
• Washrooms conveniently located near laboratories
• Opioid Agonist Treatment (OAT) medications on-site

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• If you arrive by private vehicle, stop at Patient Registration (Admitting) first before proceeding to any diagnostic services such as X-Ray.
• Interpreter and translation services are available at no charge — let staff know your language needs when you arrive at triage.
• For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe trauma, call 911 immediately; STARS Air Ambulance serves the Cardston County area for critical air transport.
• Patients who require intensive care, cardiac intervention, or other high-acuity specialist services may be transferred to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, approximately 75 km north — be prepared for this possibility and bring a list of your medications.
• Visiting hours are 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily; the general information line is staffed from 6:45 AM to 11:00 PM if you need to reach a patient or get directions before arriving.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID
• Complete list of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, previous test results, or imaging
• Contact information for your family doctor or specialist
• Health benefits or supplemental insurance information
• Phone charger and personal comfort items for potential wait times
• A trusted family member or friend who can support you and help communicate with staff

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.