Edson Healthcare 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 on weekday mornings and early afternoons. For non-urgent issues, weekday daytime hours typically offer faster access to the full care team.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify peak hours at this facility. As a general rule, Friday and Saturday evenings and Sunday afternoons tend to be busier at most emergency departments. If your condition is not urgent, consider calling 811 (Health Link) first for guidance.

About Edson Healthcare Centre

Edson Healthcare Centre is a modern, full-service rural hospital located at 4716 5 Ave in Edson, Alberta, serving residents of the Canadian Rockies foothills region. Opened in 2016, this $198.4 million facility operates a 24-hour emergency department alongside acute care, surgical, diagnostic, mental health, and rehabilitation services under Alberta Health Services West Zone. It is the primary emergency care destination for Edson and surrounding communities, offering a broad scope of care in a single consolidated campus.

Services & Specialties

24-hour emergency care, Acute care (24 beds), Surgical suites, Diagnostic imaging, Laboratory services, Renal dialysis, Mental health services, Addiction services (children, youth, adults, older adults), Rehabilitation and physiotherapy, Long-term and continuing care (76 beds), On-site pharmacy, Diabetic nephropathy program, Primary care physicians' clinic, Ambulatory care.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy
• Central outdoor courtyard (accessible to patients and visitors)
• Local nature photography art displays throughout facility
• Rehabilitation courtyard paths for physiotherapy patients
• Wheelchair-accessible facilities
• Patient information available 24/7 by phone

Other Care Options

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

Pharmacists in Alberta can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• Edson Healthcare Centre is the only 24/7 emergency facility in the immediate area — for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 rather than driving yourself.
• The facility opened in 2016 and consolidates emergency, surgical, mental health, dialysis, and primary care all under one roof, so bring a complete list of your current medications and health conditions.
• Visiting hours are Monday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. — if you are accompanying a patient, plan your arrival accordingly.
• For non-emergency concerns, the on-site physicians' clinic and ambulatory care services may be a faster alternative to the ER during regular business hours.
• If you require addiction or mental health support, Edson Healthcare Centre offers dedicated services for all age groups — you do not need to travel to a larger city for an initial assessment.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance (AHCIP) card or provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID
• Complete list of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral documents
• List of your family physician's contact information
• Payment method for parking
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for a potentially long wait
• Warm clothing or a light blanket, as ER waiting areas can be cool

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.