Drumheller Health Centre

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.

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

• On-site cafeteria (open Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM) serving breakfast, coffee break, and lunch
• UpMeals vending machine available 24 hours a day
• Wheelchair-accessible entrances
• Ambulance bay on-site
• Helipad located approximately 120 metres west of the facility

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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Tips Before You Go

• Drumheller Health Centre is a rural community hospital — if you suspect a major stroke, heart attack, or serious trauma, call 911 immediately so paramedics can arrange the fastest route of care, which may include air ambulance transfer to Calgary.
• The ER cannot predict wait times in advance; checking real-time wait estimates on this page before you leave can help you plan your visit.
• Interpreter and translation services are available at the ER — let staff know at triage if you need language assistance.
• If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, the emergency department can provide crisis assessment, and the on-site Drumheller Mental Health Clinic offers ongoing support during regular hours.
• If you are driving, download the AHS Parking app before your visit so you can pay for and extend parking time from your phone without returning to your vehicle.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Alberta driver's licence or passport)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• List of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or previous test results
• Provincial health card or insurance information if from out of province
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
• Snacks and water, especially if visiting outside cafeteria hours (cafeteria closes at 3:00 PM weekdays)

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.