High River General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be quieter at rural emergency departments. If your condition is not life-threatening, these windows may offer shorter waits.

Busier times: Emergency departments across Alberta, including rural facilities like High River, typically see higher patient volumes on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and throughout weekends. Evenings after 5 PM on any day can also be busier as walk-in clinics and family physician offices close.

About High River General Hospital

High River General Hospital is a full-service rural facility located at 560 9 Ave SW in High River, Alberta, offering 24-hour emergency care to residents of High River and the surrounding foothills communities. The emergency department uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to assess and prioritize patients, and is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists. Patients requiring complex trauma care or advanced pediatric services can be stabilized on-site and transferred to a higher-level facility such as Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care, Maternity and Obstetrics (LDRP Rooms), Operating Suites and Surgical Services, General Surgery (Inpatient), Gynecological Surgery, Gynecology Outpatient Clinic, Diagnostic Imaging, Ultrasound, Laboratory Services, Community Cancer Centre (On-Site), Medical Cardiology (Inpatient), Orthopedic Services (Outpatient), Urology Outpatient Clinic, Respiratory Therapy, Long-Term Care, Geriatric Assessment Services, Mental Health Services, Speech Language Pathology, Occupational and Recreational Therapies, Social Work, Pre-Admission Clinic, Spiritual Care Services, Interpreter and Translation Services, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) Assessment.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (food and beverages for purchase)
• On-site Pharmacy (with compounding chemotherapy capability)
• Gift Shop (High River Gift Shop)
• Patient Food Services
• Spiritual Care Services
• Lost and Found
• Volunteer Resources Program
• Wheelchair Accessible Facility
• Elevator On-Site
• Interpreter and Translation Services

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• High River General Hospital serves the surrounding foothills region — if you are visiting from a rural area, call ahead at 403-652-2200 to confirm services relevant to your needs before making the drive.
• The ER uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS); patients with life-threatening conditions are always seen first regardless of arrival order, so expect that wait times may vary based on the severity of other patients' conditions.
• For complex trauma, major pediatric emergencies, or advanced cardiac events, the ER team can stabilize you and arrange transfer to Foothills Medical Centre in Calgary — do not delay calling 911 in a true emergency.
• If you require interpreter services, these are available at the hospital — inform staff at triage as early as possible so arrangements can be made promptly.
• Visiting is flexible and based on patient wishes and care needs rather than fixed hours, but confirm with nursing staff on the unit when you arrive to ensure your visit aligns with the patient's care plan.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance Card (AHCIC)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or specialist letters
• Personal health device (e.g., CPAP machine, hearing aids) if applicable
• Phone charger or portable battery pack
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer — ER waiting areas can be cool
• Cash or payment card for parking, cafeteria, or pharmacy needs

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.