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Claresholm General Hospital is a 16-bed rural acute care facility located at 221 43 Ave W in Claresholm, Alberta, operated by Alberta Health Services within the Calgary Zone. The 24-hour emergency department is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists, with patients assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). This ER serves residents of Claresholm and the surrounding south-central Alberta region for urgent and emergent medical needs, with transfer pathways to larger centres such as Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for complex or specialized care.
Services & Specialties
24-Hour Emergency Care, General Medicine – Inpatients, Day Surgery / Short Stay Surgical Unit, General Radiography (X-Ray), Laboratory Services, Cardiology – Electrocardiogram (ECG), Cardiac Diagnostics – Holter Monitoring, Respiratory Therapy, Community Physiotherapy, Diabetes Clinic, Nutrition Counselling, Social Work Services, Inpatient Pharmacy Services, Spiritual Care Services.
Amenities
Inpatient Pharmacy Services
Spiritual Care Services (approx. 15 hours/week)
Social Work Services
Patient Information Services (Mon–Fri, 7:45 am–4:00 pm)
Claresholm General Hospital is a small 16-bed rural facility — for life-threatening emergencies such as stroke, major trauma, or cardiac events, consider whether transfer to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge may be needed and call 911 immediately.
Patient Information Services are available Monday to Friday, 7:45 am–4:00 pm; for after-hours administrative inquiries, support is available through Acute Care at 403-682-3700.
If you require transportation to the hospital and have no other means, contact the Claresholm & District Transportation Society at 403-625-4455 well in advance, as they operate weekdays only.
Interpreter and translation services are available at the hospital — inform staff of your language needs upon arrival so arrangements can be made promptly.
Alberta Health Services has removed formal visiting hour restrictions at this facility, so family members and support persons are welcome to accompany patients; however, always follow any posted infection control guidance.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Provincial health number or out-of-province health insurance information
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or recent test results
Personal comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snack, warm layer)
Emergency contact name and phone number
Payment method for any applicable fees or prescriptions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Claresholm General Hospital have a 24-hour emergency department?
Yes. The emergency department at Claresholm General Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists.
What triage system does Claresholm General Hospital use?
The emergency department uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to assess and prioritize patients based on the urgency of their condition. More critical patients are seen before those with less urgent needs.
Will I be transferred to another hospital if my condition is serious?
As a 16-bed rural facility, Claresholm General Hospital stabilizes patients and, when necessary, arranges transfers to larger regional centres such as Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge for complex, specialized, or high-acuity care.
Is Claresholm General Hospital wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the entire facility is wheelchair accessible, including the emergency department entrance and patient care areas.
Are interpreter or translation services available at the Claresholm ER?
Yes. Interpreter and translation services are available at Claresholm General Hospital. Inform the triage nurse or registration staff of your language needs when you arrive.
What is the phone number for Claresholm General Hospital's emergency department?
You can reach the hospital switchboard at 403-682-3700. The direct emergency line is 403-682-3761. For life-threatening emergencies, always call 911 first.