Grande Cache Community Health Complex

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait-time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, early mornings on weekdays tend to be quieter at smaller community hospitals. If your condition is not life-threatening, mid-morning on a weekday is often a good time to visit.

Busier times: As with most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays can bring higher patient volumes. As the only hospital serving a remote region, the ER may also see surges following local events, hunting season, or winter weather incidents. For non-urgent concerns, try to avoid peak evening hours if possible.

About Grande Cache Community Health Complex

Grande Cache Community Health Complex at 10200 Shand Ave is the primary hospital serving Grande Cache and the surrounding Rocky Mountain foothills region of Alberta, providing 24-hour emergency department care staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists. The ER uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize patients and offers acute care, X-ray, laboratory services, and a special care unit. Residents of Grande Cache and nearby communities rely on this facility as their first point of emergency medical care, with complex or specialized cases transferred to larger regional centres when needed.

Services & Specialties

24-hour emergency department, Acute care, Laboratory services, X-ray / diagnostic imaging, Pharmacy services, Physical therapy / physiotherapy, Occupational therapy, Respiratory therapy, Social work, Palliative care, Continuing care, Home care coordination, Special care unit, Pediatric care, Pediatric weight management / nutrition counselling, Aboriginal health liaison, Interpreter and translation services, Rehabilitation services, Supportive living.

Amenities

• Wi-Fi available
• On-site pharmacy
• Wheelchair accessible throughout
• Interpreter and translation services
• Patient food services
• Outpatient dietitian counselling

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

• Grande Cache is a remote community — if you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe trauma, call 911 immediately so paramedics can begin care en route.
• Registration services have set hours (Mon–Fri 7:45 am–9:00 pm, Sat–Sun 9:00 am–6:00 pm), but the emergency department itself is always open. Walk in at any hour for urgent care.
• If you require highly specialized care — such as advanced cardiac intervention, neurosurgery, or major trauma — be prepared that you may be stabilized here and then transferred to a larger regional hospital. Ask staff about transfer options if needed.
• Bring your Alberta Health Care Insurance (AHCIC) card to every visit. Most medically necessary services are covered, but some services may carry additional charges.
• The facility offers an Aboriginal health liaison service — ask staff to connect you if you would benefit from culturally specific support during your visit.
• Call ahead at 780-827-3701 to confirm availability of specific outpatient or specialist services before making the trip, especially if travelling from a remote area.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance card (provincial health card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, doses, and prescribing doctors
• Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or specialist letters
• Personal health number and next-of-kin contact information
• Payment method for any non-covered services or parking
• Warm clothing or a blanket — wait areas can be cool
• Snacks and water for potentially long wait times, especially for non-urgent concerns

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.