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Didsbury District Health Services operates a 24-hour emergency department at 1210 20 Avenue in Didsbury, Alberta, serving patients across south-central Alberta and the surrounding Calgary-Edmonton corridor communities. The facility is a full-service rural hospital with 16 acute care beds, offering emergency assessment and treatment, stabilization for transfer to higher-level care when needed, and a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services. It is well-suited for adults and children with urgent medical needs who require timely emergency care without traveling to a larger urban centre like Calgary.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) assessment, General Medicine (Inpatients) — 16 acute care beds, Laboratory Services, General Radiography (X-Ray) and Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiac Monitoring and Electrocardiogram (ECG) Services, Community Physiotherapy, Rural Allied Health — Speech Language Pathology, Rural Nutrition Counselling (Adult), Rural Pediatric Allied Health, Home Care Services, Continuing Care and Transition Services, Calgary Rural Diabetes Program, Mental Health Services, Public Health Services (immunizations, prenatal/postpartum, well child), Tuberculosis Testing, Palliative and End-of-Life Care, On-site Pharmacy, Patient stabilization and inter-facility transport preparation.
Amenities
Cafeteria — open 7 days a week, 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Call the hospital switchboard at 403-335-9393 or the emergency line at 403-335-2534 if you have questions before arriving.
Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) — the most critically ill are seen first, so wait times vary depending on your condition and current patient volume.
Didsbury's ED can stabilize patients and arrange transport to a larger facility in Calgary if your condition requires a higher level of care, so do not hesitate to come in.
If traveling from outside the Didsbury area, the hospital is easily accessed via Highway 2A — plan your route in advance as public transit is not available to the facility.
The hospital has a cafeteria open from 6:30 AM to 4:30 PM daily, which can be useful for family members waiting during extended visits.
What to Bring
Valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card or provincial health card
Government-issued photo ID
List of all current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or recent test results
Your family doctor's name and contact information
Phone or device charger for longer waits
Comfortable clothing or a change of clothes if applicable
Payment method for any applicable pharmacy or non-insured service costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the emergency department at Didsbury District Health Services open around the clock?
Yes. The emergency department at Didsbury District Health Services is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays. It is staffed by physicians, registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and respiratory therapists (RTs).
What happens if my condition requires care beyond what Didsbury's ER can provide?
Didsbury District Health Services is equipped to assess, treat, and stabilize patients, and can arrange and prepare patients for transport to a higher-level care facility — such as a Calgary hospital — if your condition requires more specialized treatment.
Does Didsbury District Health Services have on-site lab and imaging services?
Yes. The hospital offers on-site laboratory services and general radiography (X-ray) and diagnostic imaging, which supports faster diagnosis and treatment during your emergency or inpatient visit.
Are there visiting hours at Didsbury District Health Services?
Alberta Health Services has removed formal visiting hours for all Calgary Zone hospitals, including Didsbury District Health Services. Visiting is guided by the expressed wishes and care needs of the individual patient. Check with nursing staff on arrival for any unit-specific guidance.
Is Didsbury District Health Services wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The facility is fully wheelchair accessible and has an elevator on site. Accessible parking is also available on the property. Contact 403-335-9393 for specific accessibility details before your visit.
What community support services does Didsbury District Health Services offer beyond emergency care?
Beyond its 24/7 emergency department, the hospital provides a broad range of services including home care, continuing care, mental health support, the Calgary Rural Diabetes Program, community physiotherapy, speech language pathology, nutrition counselling, public health programs, and palliative care — making it a comprehensive health hub for the Didsbury region.