Drayton Valley Hospital & Care Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. As a general guideline, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be quieter at rural emergency departments. Routine or non-urgent concerns are best addressed during regular business hours when diagnostic services like lab and CT are fully operational.

Busier times: Emergency departments at rural hospitals like Drayton Valley typically see increased volumes on Friday and Saturday evenings, holiday weekends, and Monday mornings. If your condition is non-urgent, avoiding these peak windows may reduce your wait time.

About Drayton Valley Hospital & Care Centre

Drayton Valley Hospital & Care Centre is a full-service acute and long-term care facility located at 4550 Madsen Ave in Drayton Valley, Alberta, serving residents of Brazeau County and the surrounding rural region. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 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). As the only hospital in Brazeau County, this facility offers a broad scope of care — from emergency stabilization and surgery to obstetrics, cancer care, and continuing care — making it the primary hospital destination for a large rural catchment area.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care and General Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Maternity Care, Computed Tomography (CT Scan), General Radiography (X-Ray), Cardiac Monitoring, Endoscopy and Gastroscopy Services, Laboratory Services, Drayton Valley Community Cancer Centre (on-site), Long-Term and Continuing Care (Type A), Rehabilitation Services, Diagnostic Imaging, Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), Bereavement Support Program, Language and Interpreter Services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria open 9:00 am – 2:00 pm, 7 days a week (supper available by pre-order for staff, volunteers, and visitors)
• Gift Shop (Friends of Red Deer Giftshop and Cafe, as listed by AHS)
• Language line and interpreter services available (advance notice preferred)
• Wheelchair-accessible throughout
• Drayton Valley Community Cancer Centre on-site
• Visiting hours: Monday–Sunday, 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Call 911 immediately for life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, stroke symptoms, or severe trauma — do not drive yourself.
• The ED uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS); patients with more urgent conditions are seen first regardless of arrival order, so expect variable wait times.
• If you require interpretation services, notify staff as early as possible — a language line is available but advance notice helps when tests need to be scheduled.
• Laboratory services run Monday–Friday, 8:00 am–4:00 pm, and CT scans are available Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm, so diagnostic turnaround may take longer for after-hours visits.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is accessible through the emergency department — you do not need to be in active crisis to request a referral.
• Free parking is available on-site, so arriving by personal vehicle is the most practical option given the absence of local transit routes.

What to Bring

• Valid Alberta Health Care (AHCIP) card or provincial health insurance card
• Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence, passport)
• List of current medications, dosages, and any known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or recent test results
• Emergency contact information for a family member or trusted person
• Personal comfort items for potential waits (water bottle, snack, warm layer)
• Method of payment for any non-insured services or prescriptions
• If applicable, bring any medical devices (e.g., CPAP, hearing aids, mobility aids)

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.