Foothills Medical Centre (FMC) in Calgary, Alberta is the largest hospital in the province and the primary tertiary referral centre for Southern Alberta, southeastern British Columbia, and parts of Saskatchewan, serving over two million people. Its 24/7 emergency department is one of the busiest in Alberta, handling everything from minor emergencies to the most complex trauma, stroke, cardiac, and critical care cases, with direct ambulance and air medevac intake for major regional incidents. Patients requiring advanced specialty care — including neurosurgery, organ transplant, burn treatment, or complex oncology — are routinely directed here.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency DepartmentLevel 1 Trauma Centre (largest in Southern Alberta)Stroke Centre (Accreditation Canada Stroke Services Distinction)Cardiac Sciences & Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU)Libin Cardiovascular Institute of AlbertaNeurosurgery & Neurocritical CareOrgan & Tissue Transplant (kidney, pancreas, heart, lung, skin)Burn Program (critical care)Arthur J.E. Child Comprehensive Cancer CentreNeonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)High Risk Labour & DeliveryAdult Intensive Care (Neuro, Trauma, Coronary, Cardiovascular)Air Medevac & Ambulance Transfer ReceptionGrace Women's Health CentreRobotic & Surgical Innovation57 Outpatient Clinics On-SiteDiagnostic Imaging & Laboratory MedicineInterpreter & Translation Services
Amenities
Garden Deli cafeteria (food services for patients and visitors)
Retail food outlets throughout the campus
Pharmacy (main floor, Tom Baker Building)
Café (main floor, Tom Baker Building)
Gift shop (main floor, Tom Baker Building)
RBC Royal Bank ATM on-site
Family lounges
Lost & Found (call 403-944-1110)
Wayfinding signage and directory maps throughout facility
Parking & Transit
On-site parking is available 24/7 across multiple lots. The Central Parking structure offers public stalls on the Main (M), P1, and P2 levels near elevator lobbies. The West Lot (Lot 10) has public stalls on levels 1 and 2. Accessible/disabled stalls are located on select levels throughout the structures. Payment is accepted via pay-by-plate meters (Canadian coins, Visa, Mastercard, or Amex) or through the AHS Parking app (Zone 6010, available on Android and iOS). Weekly passes are available at $42.00/week and monthly passes at $74.00/month (requires authorization from a nursing unit or social worker) — both available at the FMC Central Parking Office. Rates are subject to change; verify current rates with AHS before your visit. For emergency visits, use the Emergency Entrance off 29th Street NW. For non-emergency visits, the West Entrance off 16th Avenue North is recommended.
Foothills Medical Centre is located in northwest Calgary near the University District, with access via major routes including 16 Avenue NW and Crowchild Trail. The campus is served by Calgary Transit bus routes along 29 St NW and Hospital Dr NW. Check the Calgary Transit trip planner at calgarytransit.com for current route numbers and schedules. The neighbouring Alberta Children's Hospital and University of Calgary are accessible from FMC via University Boulevard.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
Emergency departments at major trauma and tertiary centres like Foothills Medical Centre tend to be slightly less congested in the early morning hours (between approximately 6 AM and 10 AM on weekdays). If your situation is not immediately life-threatening, arriving earlier in the day on a weekday may result in a shorter wait, though all true emergencies should seek care immediately regardless of time.
🔴 Busier times
As one of the busiest emergency departments in Alberta and the primary trauma centre for Southern Alberta, FMC's ED can experience high volumes throughout the day. Evening hours (5 PM–11 PM), weekends, and holidays typically see heavier patient volumes. Lower-acuity patients may experience significantly longer waits during these periods.
Tips Before You Go
Use the Emergency Entrance off 29th Street NW for all emergency visits — this is the fastest and most direct access point to the ED.
FMC is a major tertiary referral centre, so the ED regularly receives complex, high-acuity patients from across Southern Alberta. Expect potentially longer waits if your condition is lower acuity, and consider a walk-in clinic for non-urgent concerns.
Interpreter and translation services are available in the ED — inform triage staff immediately if you or your family member require language assistance.
The campus is large and multi-building. Use the signage and directory maps throughout FMC to navigate, and allow extra time to find your destination, especially for first-time visitors.
You can pay for parking via the AHS Parking app (Zone 6010) on your smartphone, which avoids the need for coins or credit card at a meter — download it before your visit if possible.
For non-emergency outpatient appointments, use the West Entrance off 16 Avenue North to avoid congestion near the Emergency Entrance.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Provincial health coverage or private insurance information
Emergency contact name and phone number
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Personal comfort items for a potential wait (phone charger, water bottle, snacks)
Payment method for parking (credit card, coins, or AHS Parking app)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Foothills Medical Centre the closest trauma centre if I'm seriously injured in Calgary?
Yes. Foothills Medical Centre is the lead trauma centre for Southern Alberta and the largest regional trauma centre in the area. Ambulance and air medevac services for major trauma cases across Southern Alberta are directed to FMC. For life-threatening emergencies, call 911 and paramedics will transport you to the most appropriate facility.
Does Foothills Medical Centre have a stroke program?
Yes. The Calgary Stroke Program at FMC has been awarded 'Stroke Services Distinction' by Accreditation Canada and is recognized as one of two leading stroke centres in Canada. FMC is also accredited for stroke rehabilitation. If you suspect a stroke, call 911 immediately.
What entrance should I use when going to the FMC Emergency Department?
For all emergency visits, use the Emergency Entrance off 29th Street NW. For non-emergency or outpatient visits, the West Entrance located just off 16th Avenue North is recommended to avoid congestion near the ED.
Does Foothills Medical Centre perform organ transplants?
Yes. FMC performs kidney, pancreas, heart, lung, and skin transplants. Liver transplants for Albertans are performed in Edmonton. FMC is the tertiary transplant referral centre for Southern Alberta, southeastern British Columbia, and parts of Saskatchewan.
Are interpreter services available in the Foothills Medical Centre Emergency Department?
Yes. Interpreter and translation services are available at the FMC Emergency Department. If you or a family member requires language assistance, inform the triage staff as soon as you arrive so they can arrange support.
How do I contact Foothills Medical Centre or reach Lost & Found?
The main switchboard number for Foothills Medical Centre is 403-944-1110. For Lost & Found inquiries, call the same number and ask to be connected to the Lost and Found department. More information is also available at www.ahs.ca/fmc.
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.