Drumheller Health Centre

Drumheller, AB · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year

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Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Drumheller

Last updated: recently · View all Alberta hospitals →

About Drumheller Health Centre

Drumheller Health Centre is the primary community hospital serving Drumheller and the surrounding Badlands region of Alberta, operated by Alberta Health Services. The 156-bed facility offers 24/7 emergency care alongside acute care, mental health, cancer care, and continuing care services, making it a comprehensive health hub for rural southeastern Alberta. Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), and those with complex or high-acuity conditions such as major trauma, cardiac events, or stroke may be transferred to larger urban centres in Calgary.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department Acute Care Continuing Care Mental Health Assessment and Psychotherapy Addiction and Substance Use Counselling Gambling Counselling Drumheller Community Cancer Centre (on-site) Drumheller Mental Health Clinic (on-site) Respiratory Therapy Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) Assessment Interpreter and Translation Services Air Ambulance Transfer via On-Site Helipad Crisis Services via Emergency Department

Amenities

Parking & Transit

Parking is available on-site at Drumheller Health Centre. Specific rates have not been publicly confirmed — parking costs are fully recovered through user fees with no government healthcare funding used. AHS recommends using the AHS Parking app to pay by mobile device, receive expiry alerts, and extend parking time remotely. Wheelchair-accessible entrances are available, and an ambulance bay is located on-site.

Drumheller does not have a formal municipal transit system. The health centre is best accessed by personal vehicle or taxi. On-site parking with AHS Parking app support is available for those driving.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, rural emergency departments tend to be less congested during mid-morning on weekdays. If your condition is not life-threatening, visiting Tuesday through Thursday during morning hours may result in shorter waits.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait time data is available. Like most emergency departments, Drumheller Health Centre is likely busiest on evenings, weekends, and holidays. Avoid visiting during these periods for non-urgent concerns if possible, and consider whether your issue could be addressed by calling Health Link 811 instead.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Drumheller Health Centre have a 24-hour emergency department?
Yes, the emergency department at Drumheller Health Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year.
Can Drumheller Health Centre treat major trauma, stroke, or cardiac emergencies?
The ER can provide initial stabilization and assessment for all emergencies, but as a rural community hospital without a designated trauma, cardiac, or stroke centre, patients with high-acuity or complex conditions are typically stabilized and then transferred to a larger facility such as a Calgary hospital. A helipad located about 120 metres from the facility supports air ambulance transfers.
What mental health services are available at Drumheller Health Centre?
The facility houses the Drumheller Mental Health Clinic on-site, which offers individual psychotherapy, group programs, and concurrent addiction counselling. The emergency department also provides crisis assessment at any hour. For immediate mental health crises, visit the ER or call 911.
Is there a cancer centre at Drumheller Health Centre?
Yes, the Drumheller Community Cancer Centre is located within the health centre, providing cancer-related services to residents of the Drumheller Valley and surrounding Badlands region without requiring travel to a major urban centre for all treatments.
Where can I eat or get food while at Drumheller Health Centre?
An on-site cafeteria serves breakfast, coffee break, and lunch Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and is open to staff, volunteers, and visitors. For evenings, weekends, or after hours, an UpMeals vending machine is available on-site 24 hours a day.
Is there parking at Drumheller Health Centre and how do I pay?
On-site parking is available at the health centre. AHS recommends using the AHS Parking app to pay by mobile device, receive alerts before your parking expires, and extend your time remotely. Specific parking rates were not confirmed publicly — contact the facility at 403-823-6500 for current rate information.

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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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