Chinook Regional Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Chinook Regional Hospital

Chinook Regional Hospital is the district general hospital serving Lethbridge and Southern Alberta, providing 24/7 emergency care to a regional population of over 150,000 people. The emergency department sees more than 48,700 patient visits annually and offers a full spectrum of acute care, including intensive care, cardiology, neurology, oncology through the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, and psychiatric services. As a designated teaching hospital affiliated with the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary, CRH delivers a high level of specialist care rarely found outside major urban centres, making it the appropriate destination for serious or complex emergencies across Southern Alberta.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) triage, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Obstetrics and Labour & Delivery, Psychiatric Emergency and Mental Health Services, Cardiology, Neurology, Nephrology, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Endocrinology, Respirology, Rheumatology, Immunology, Dermatology, Jack Ady Cancer Centre (on-site), Critical Care Services, Surgery and Day Procedures, Computed Tomography (CT), Cardio-Respiratory Services, Alberta Trauma Services, Breast Health Program, Chinook Cardiac Device Clinic, Acute Geriatrics, Clinical Genetics Outreach Services, Child and Youth Day Program, STARS Air Ambulance Helipad Access, Interpreter and Translation Services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria: Mon–Fri 7:30 AM–7:00 PM, Sat–Sun 8:00 AM–7:00 PM, statutory holidays 9:00 AM–6:00 PM
• Brewing Bean Coffee Kiosk on-site
• Vending machines available
• Wheelchair accessible throughout the facility
• Guest House at Alberta Rose Lodge (short-term accommodations for out-of-town patients and families)
• 813-space parking parkade with elevators

Other Care Options

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Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• Check Alberta Health Services' website for real-time Lethbridge ER wait times before you leave home — this can help you plan your arrival.
• The emergency department uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS); the most critically ill patients are always seen first, so expect waits during busy periods if your condition is non-urgent.
• If you require an interpreter, translation services are available directly in the ED — notify staff at triage as soon as you arrive.
• Short-term parking is available near the emergency entrance, but for longer stays, use the hospital parkade and pay via the AHS Parking app (zone 6498) to avoid returning to the machine.
• Out-of-town patients and families from outside Lethbridge can apply for short-term lodging at the Guest House at Alberta Rose Lodge — contact the hospital in advance to check availability.

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card or provincial health card
• List of all current medications, doses, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or imaging results
• Personal health number and emergency contact information
• Method of payment or credit card (for parking)
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — ERs can be cold during long waits
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for extended visits

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.