Mayerthorpe Health Care Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait-time data is currently available for this facility. Generally, rural emergency departments tend to be less congested on weekday mornings and early afternoons. For non-urgent concerns, consider calling the Health Link 811 line first to determine whether an ER visit is necessary.

Busier times: Like most emergency departments, Mayerthorpe Health Care Centre may experience higher volumes on evenings, weekends, and holidays. No specific historical data is available — call 811 (Health Link) for guidance on whether your situation requires an ER visit or can be addressed through another service.

About Mayerthorpe Health Care Centre

Mayerthorpe Health Care Centre is a fully integrated 55-bed rural hospital operated by Alberta Health Services, serving Mayerthorpe and the surrounding Lac Ste. Anne and Yellowhead County communities approximately 120 km northwest of Edmonton. The 24/7 emergency department provides urgent and emergency care alongside on-site X-ray, laboratory, pharmacy, and day surgery services. Patients requiring advanced trauma, cardiac, or stroke intervention may be stabilized and transferred to a larger regional centre in Edmonton.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, General Medicine, Acute Care, Day Surgery Services & Recovery, General Radiography (X-Ray), Laboratory Services, On-Site Pharmacy, Obstetrics, Pediatrics, Palliative Care, Psychiatry, Respiratory Therapy, Ambulatory Care, Home Care, Continuing Care / Long-Term Residential Care, Addiction Services (Adult, Youth & Children), Mental Health & Walk-In Counselling Services, Sexual Health Services, Speech and Language Services, Community Health Centre, Well Baby Clinic, Breastfeeding Clinic, Early Childhood Intervention Program, Supportive Living, Tuberculosis Testing, Environmental Public Health, School Health Program, Therapeutic Recreation Services, Respite Care, Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program, Equipment Loan Program.

Amenities

• On-site cafeteria (open 7:00 am – 5:30 pm, 7 days a week)
• On-site pharmacy (serves inpatients and long-term care residents)
• Wheelchair-accessible entrance and facilities

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

• Mayerthorpe Health Care Centre is the only hospital serving this rural region — for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately so paramedics can begin care en route.
• The on-site pharmacy can fill prescriptions for inpatients; if you are discharged with a new prescription, ask staff whether it can be filled before you leave the facility.
• If you need to wait, the cafeteria is open 7:00 am to 5:30 pm daily and offers a convenient option for accompanying family members.
• For non-emergency concerns such as mental health, addiction, or community health questions, the centre offers walk-in counselling and a range of community health services — consider these programs to avoid unnecessary ER visits.
• Patients requiring specialized care such as advanced cardiac procedures, major trauma, or neurology may be transferred to a larger Edmonton-area hospital; ask the care team about what to expect if a transfer is needed.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing physicians
• List of known allergies (medications, foods, latex)
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Personal health device (e.g., CPAP, hearing aids, glasses)
• Payment method for any applicable non-insured services or prescriptions
• Comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snack, phone charger)

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.