LAC LA BICHE HEALTHCARE CENTRE

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. As a rural community hospital, weekday mornings and early afternoons tend to be relatively manageable times to visit for non-urgent concerns. If your situation is not life-threatening, contacting Health Link 811 first can help you determine whether an ER visit is necessary.

Busier times: Without historical data, specific peak hours cannot be confirmed. Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and holidays typically see higher patient volumes. If possible, avoid arriving during late evening hours for minor concerns, and always call ahead at 780-623-4404 if you are uncertain.

About LAC LA BICHE HEALTHCARE CENTRE

The Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre (William J. Cadzow) at 9110 93 Street provides 24/7 emergency department services to residents of Lac La Biche and the surrounding rural communities of northeastern Alberta. As a combined acute care and continuing care facility with 23 acute care beds, the ED is equipped to assess and stabilize patients experiencing major trauma, cardiac events, injuries, and general medical concerns, with the ability to arrange transport to higher-level facilities when needed. Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) and cared for by a team that may include physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, General Medicine, Obstetrics, Day Surgery Services and Recovery, Ambulatory Services, Laboratory Services, Diagnostic Imaging (X-Ray), On-site Pharmacy, Rehabilitation Services, Continuing Care Services, Adult Day Program, Breastfeeding Clinic, Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program, Interpreter and Translation Services, Palliative Care (1 dedicated bed).

Amenities

• Cafeteria (Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:00 PM; Sat–Sun 9:00 AM–1:00 PM)
• Vending Machines
• On-site Pharmacy
• Wheelchair Accessible Entrance and Facilities

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

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Tips Before You Go

• Call the switchboard at 780-623-4404 before visiting for non-emergency questions — staff can help direct you to the right service or department.
• If your condition is life-threatening, call 911 immediately rather than driving to the ER; the ED can coordinate with EMS for faster stabilization.
• Interpreter and translation services are available at the emergency department — let staff know upon arrival if you or a family member needs language assistance.
• For mental health or addiction concerns that are not an emergency, the nearby Lac La Biche Provincial Building offers Addiction and Mental Health services during regular hours.
• Visiting hours are generally 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily, though hours may vary by department — confirm with staff when accompanying a patient.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Alberta driver's licence or passport)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, imaging, or specialist referral letters
• Health benefits or supplemental insurance information
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (ERs can be cool)
• Snacks, water, and entertainment for potential wait times

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.