Grimshaw / Berwyn and District Community Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: As a rural community health centre, the Grimshaw ER typically experiences lower volumes than urban facilities. Mid-morning on weekdays tends to be a quieter period at most rural ERs. For non-urgent concerns, visiting during daytime hours ensures the broadest range of support services and staff are available.

Busier times: Like most emergency departments, the Grimshaw/Berwyn Community Health Centre may see higher activity on evenings, weekends, and holidays. If your condition is not life-threatening, arriving in the late morning or early afternoon on a weekday may mean shorter waits.

About Grimshaw / Berwyn and District Community Health Centre

The Grimshaw/Berwyn and District Community Health Centre is a rural community health centre located at 5621 50th Avenue in Grimshaw, Alberta, serving the town of Grimshaw, the village of Berwyn, and the surrounding farming communities of the Peace Country region. The facility operates a 24/7 emergency department supported by a Virtual Emergency Physician program, on-site laboratory, X-ray, and pharmacy services, making it a comprehensive first point of care for residents across northwestern Alberta. For critical cases requiring higher-level intervention, the centre is equipped to coordinate medevac air transport to larger facilities such as the Peace River Community Health Centre or Edmonton's Stollery Children's Hospital.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Virtual Emergency Physician Support, General Radiography (X-Ray), Laboratory Services, Pharmacy Services, Palliative and End of Life Care, Continuing Care (Long-Term Residential Care), Home Care, Respite Care, Social Work, Immunization (Adult, Senior, Infant, Preschool, School-Age), Well Baby Clinic, Breastfeeding Clinic, Early Childhood Intervention Program, School Health Program, Travel Health Services, Tuberculosis Testing, Car Seat Safety Program, Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program, Equipment Loan Program, Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), Volunteer Resources, Medevac Air Transport Coordination.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy
• Equipment Loan Program (short-term medical equipment for home recovery)
• Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) — confidential support and referrals
• Foot care services through contracted nurses (supported by Grimshaw/Berwyn and District Hospital Foundation)
• Wheelchair-accessible facility
• Social work services
• Volunteer resources program

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• Call ahead at 780-332-6500 if you are unsure whether your condition requires an emergency visit — staff can help direct you to the right care level.
• For non-urgent health concerns, ask about the range of community health services available at the centre, including immunization, travel health, and well baby clinics, to avoid unnecessary ER visits.
• If you are experiencing domestic violence or unsafe home circumstances, the on-site Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) provides confidential, non-judgmental support — you can ask any staff member to connect you.
• Patients requiring specialized care beyond what is available locally may be transferred by medevac to Peace River or Edmonton — bring a list of current medications and contact numbers for family members in case of transfer.
• The facility's Equipment Loan Program can help patients recovering from surgery or receiving palliative care access needed medical equipment for home use — ask about eligibility during your visit.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of all current medications, including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Personal health number and emergency contact information
• Comfortable clothing appropriate for waiting and examination
• Payment method for any applicable prescription or parking fees

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.