High Prairie Health Complex

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is available for this facility. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be quieter in rural emergency departments. If your situation is not life-threatening, arriving earlier in the day may mean shorter waits.

Busier times: Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and weekends. Without specific data for High Prairie Health Complex, it is advisable to avoid these peak periods for non-urgent concerns. For true emergencies, go immediately regardless of time.

About High Prairie Health Complex

High Prairie Health Complex is a modern, $228.3-million regional facility located at 4620 53 Ave in High Prairie, Alberta, serving residents of the town, surrounding rural areas, three Métis Settlements, and First Nations communities. The 24/7 emergency department is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists who use the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize care, and the facility is equipped with advanced life-saving technology including on-site CT, MRI, and ultrasound imaging. For conditions beyond its scope, the ED can stabilize patients and coordinate transfer to higher-level facilities such as those in Peace River or Grande Prairie.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, General Medicine, General Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Paediatrics, Psychiatry and Mental Health, Surgical Services (emergent, urgent, and elective), Diagnostic Imaging: X-ray, Ultrasound, CT Scan, MRI, Laboratory and Pathology, Ambulatory Care, Respiratory Therapy, Renal Program, Pre-operative Assessment, Inpatient Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Dietitian Services, Optometry, Massage Therapy, Walk-In Medical Clinic, Family Practice Clinic.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM)
• Vending machines
• Inpatient pharmacy
• On-site mental health practitioner
• Physiotherapy clinic
• Optometrist (on-site or within complex)
• Wheelchair-accessible entry
• Interpreter and translation services (inquire upon arrival)

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

• If you are travelling from a Métis Settlement or First Nations community, interpreter services are available at the ED — inform staff of any language needs when you arrive.
• For non-emergency concerns during daytime hours, the on-site Walk-In Medical Clinic or Family Practice Clinic may be faster alternatives to the emergency department.
• High Prairie Health Complex has an on-site CT scanner, so patients needing this imaging no longer need to travel to a larger centre — ask your care team if this is relevant to your visit.
• Surgical urgent and emergent cases are handled by evening staff seven days a week, so patients requiring urgent surgery can be treated locally without immediate transfer.
• If you need specialist care not available on-site, the ED team can stabilize you and arrange transport to Peace River or Grande Prairie — bring your health card and list of current medications to speed up this process.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) health card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Provincial or private insurance information
• Any relevant medical records or referral documents
• Personal comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snack, book)
• A support person or caregiver if needed
• Payment method for any applicable non-insured services

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.