Grey Nuns Community Hospital is a full-service acute care facility operated by Covenant Health, serving the Mill Woods area of southeast Edmonton and surrounding rural Alberta since 1988. Its 24/7 emergency department uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize patients and is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, LPNs, and respiratory therapists. The hospital offers a broad range of specialized services including cardiac care, a NICU, ICU, mental health, pediatrics, and a world-renowned tertiary palliative care unit, making it a comprehensive destination for both emergency and complex care needs.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department (CTAS triage), Cardiac Care Unit and Chest Pain Clinic, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Mental Health Services, Pediatrics and Child Health Clinic, Tertiary Palliative Care Unit (14-bed), General and Vascular Surgery, Women's Health, Diagnostic Imaging, Pulmonary Function Laboratory, Neurophysiology Laboratory (EEG and evoked potential testing), Rehabilitation Services, Osteoporosis Program, Ostomy and Wound Care, Breastfeeding Clinic, Audiology (patients 6 months and older), Interpreter and Translation Services.
Amenities
Cafeteria open 7:00 am–9:00 pm, seven days a week, with catering and vending machines
Chapel open to all faiths, with chaplains available for patients, families, and staff
Volunteer-supported Gift Shop
24-hour Protective Services and Security (including lost and found)
Angel Cradle safe surrender location near the Emergency Department (light blue door)
ER volunteers to assist patients and families on arrival
Patients in the ED are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) — the most critical cases are seen first, so wait times will vary depending on your condition's urgency.
If you require interpreter or translation services, let the triage nurse know immediately upon arrival — these services are available in the ED at no cost.
For cardiac concerns, note that the on-site Chest Pain Clinic operates on weekdays and accepts referrals only through the Grey Nuns ED, so the ER is your first point of contact.
ER volunteers are on hand to help orient patients and families when you arrive — don't hesitate to ask them for guidance or support.
The Emergency Lot at 1100 Youville Dr W provides around-the-clock access, so parking is available at any hour for emergency visits.
If your concern is non-emergency mental health, a referral is required for non-urgent mental health services — the ED remains the appropriate entry point for mental health emergencies.
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
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Health care proxy or personal directive documents if applicable
Phone charger or entertainment for potential wait times
Comfort items such as a sweater or light snack for accompanying family members
Insurance information for out-of-province or international patients
Parking
A dedicated Emergency Lot is available at 1100 Youville Dr W with 24-hour access for emergency patients. The parking area includes wheelchair-accessible stalls, ramps, and elevators. Separate areas exist for visitor, physician, staff, and accessible parking near the Tawa Centre and 66 Street main entrance. Parking fees may apply. The parking office is open Monday–Friday, 7:00 am–3:00 pm, and is closed weekends and statutory holidays.
Getting There
Grey Nuns Community Hospital is accessible by Edmonton Transit Service (ETS). Nearby stops include Youville Drive W & 29 Avenue, Hewes Way & 28 Avenue, 66 Street & 31 Avenue, and the Mill Woods Stop, served by routes 523, 515, 526, 511, and the VALLEY line. The Mill Woods LRT Station on the Valley Line also provides light rail access to the area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Grey Nuns Community Hospital have a pediatric emergency service?
Yes. Grey Nuns Community Hospital has a Child Health Clinic offering services for babies, children, and their families, and the main 24/7 emergency department is equipped to assess and treat pediatric patients. The hospital also has a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) for newborns requiring specialized care.
Is there a Chest Pain Clinic at Grey Nuns, and can I walk in?
Yes, Grey Nuns has an on-site Chest Pain Clinic that operates on weekdays. However, it is a referral-only service — referrals are accepted exclusively from the Grey Nuns Emergency Department and must include clinical rationale and the patient's functional capacity for stress testing. If you are experiencing chest pain, go directly to the Emergency Department.
What language services are available in the Grey Nuns ER?
Interpreter and translation services are available in the Emergency Department for patients whose primary language is not English. Inform the triage nurse of your language needs when you are first assessed.
Is Grey Nuns Community Hospital a Catholic hospital — will that affect my care?
Grey Nuns is operated by Covenant Health, a Catholic health organization. As stated by Covenant Health, the organization is committed to serving people of all faiths, cultures, and circumstances. Patients of any background are welcome and will receive care regardless of religion or belief.
What is the Angel Cradle at Grey Nuns Community Hospital?
The Angel Cradle is a safe surrender location for parents who feel unable to care for a newborn. It is located outside the hospital near the Emergency Department and is identifiable by its light blue door. It provides a safe, anonymous option for parents in crisis.
How do I get to Grey Nuns Community Hospital by public transit?
You can reach Grey Nuns Community Hospital via Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) buses on routes 523, 515, 526, 511, and the VALLEY line, with stops near Youville Drive W & 29 Avenue and 66 Street & 31 Avenue. The Mill Woods LRT Station on the Valley Line is also nearby and provides light rail access to the area.
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.
We check our own accuracy. Forecasting two hours ahead, the ERstat estimate was typically off by 33 minutes against what hospitals themselves later posted, compared with 41 minutes for the hospital's own current figure, and was the closer of the two 58% of the time. See the full scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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Incorrect hours, wrong address, or outdated information? Let us know.