Covenant Health Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. As a rural hospital, mornings on weekdays may be less congested. For non-emergency concerns, consider visiting the on-site Castor Medical Clinic during weekday business hours rather than the ED.

Busier times: Without historical wait data, specific peak times cannot be confirmed. Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays may see higher volumes. Call 403-882-3434 if you have questions before arriving.

About Covenant Health Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital

Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor, Alberta operates a 24/7 emergency department serving the rural communities of east-central Alberta, including Castor, Coronation, and Consort. The ED is staffed by doctors, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists, and uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize patient care. As a small rural acute care facility with five acute care beds, the ED is best suited for urgent and emergent conditions; patients requiring complex surgical, cardiac, trauma, or specialized pediatric care will be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional centre.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Triage using Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), Cardiac Monitoring, General Radiography (X-Ray), Laboratory Services, Respiratory Therapy, Stabilization and Transfer to Higher-Level Care, Occupational Therapy (Outpatient/Community), Physiotherapy (Outpatient/Community), Speech Language Pathology (Outpatient/Community), Palliative and Comfort Care, Continuing Care (22 beds), Respite Care (2 beds), Interpretive/Translation Services, Social Work and Continuing Care Counselling, On-site Castor Medical Clinic (weekdays).

Amenities

• Chapel — open daily to patients, residents, families, and visitors
• Spiritual care and on-site chaplain (Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.–4:15 p.m.)
• Dining area and kitchenette
• Two living rooms with TVs for patients and visitors
• Outdoor gazebo, enclosed courtyard, and raised garden beds
• Interpretive/translation services available in person, by video, or phone
• Recreation and leisure services for residents and patients

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• This is a small rural facility — if you are experiencing a major trauma, stroke, heart attack, or require surgery, call 911 so EMS can coordinate the fastest route to appropriate care, which may involve transfer to a larger centre.
• The on-site Castor Medical Clinic (403-882-3434) is open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (closed 12–1 p.m. and statutory holidays) — for non-urgent concerns during business hours, the clinic may be a faster option than the ED.
• If you need language assistance, interpretive services can be arranged through your care team at no cost — available in person, by live video, or over the phone.
• Visiting hours are Monday–Sunday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.; family members of palliative care patients may visit at any time, including with pets.
• The hospital telephone switchboard number is 403-882-3434 — call ahead if you have questions about services or need directions to the facility.

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• List of all current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Provincial health care card or insurance information
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging you have at home
• Comfortable clothing and personal items if a longer stay is possible
• Payment method for any applicable parking or incidental costs

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.