Grey Nuns Community Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Grey Nuns Community Hospital

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

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• 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

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.