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Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH) is southeastern Alberta's primary acute care facility, serving a catchment population of approximately 117,000 people from its location at 666 5 Street SW. As Alberta's first civilian hospital — founded in 1889 — it operates a 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists, using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize the most critical patients first. With 213 beds and a broad range of specialties including intensive care, cardiac services, a Level 2 NICU, and the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, MHRH is the appropriate destination for serious emergencies and complex medical needs in the Medicine Hat region.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Intensive Care Unit (ICU), Level 2 Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), Cardiac and Cardio-Respiratory Services, Obstetrics and Labour & Delivery, Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, Kidney Care Clinic, Mental Health Services, Pediatrics, Geriatrics, Ambulatory Care, Inpatient Diagnostic Imaging, South Zone EMS Headquarters (ground and air ambulance), Interpreter and Translation Services, Medical Education and Residency Training (University of Calgary Rural Alberta South program).
Amenities
The Crisp Cafe (on-site cafeteria) — open Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM; closed weekends and statutory holidays; phone: 403-529-8001
Vending machines available on site
Contact the hospital at 403-529-8000 to confirm availability of ATM, pharmacy, chapel, and Wi-Fi
MHRH sees a notably high volume of cardiac cases — ischemic heart disease is the most common admitting diagnosis — so if you are experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or heart-related symptoms, go directly to the Emergency Department without delay.
The ED uses CTAS triage: the sickest patients are seen first regardless of arrival order. If your condition is not life-threatening, expect to wait and bring something to keep yourself comfortable.
For non-emergency health questions at any hour, call 811 (Health Link) — a free 24/7 nursing advice line — before heading to the ER to determine if a visit is necessary.
The Canadian Forces Medical Service in Suffield rotates medics through the ER, and the University of Calgary trains residents here — you may be seen or assisted by supervised trainees as part of your care.
If you need interpreter or language translation services, they are available at MHRH — let staff know your language needs at triage so assistance can be arranged promptly.
Parking is available in both the on-site parkade and the dedicated Emergency Lot. If visiting during weekday business hours, the Parking Office (Room 104) can assist with permits and payment.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
List of all current medications, dosages, and prescribing physicians
List of known allergies, especially to medications
Any relevant medical records, recent test results, or specialist letters
Health insurance or benefits card if applicable (for non-insured items)
Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
Comfortable clothing, snacks, and water for yourself or anyone accompanying you
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the address of Medicine Hat Regional Hospital's Emergency Department?
The Emergency Department is located at Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, 666 5 Street SW, Medicine Hat, AB. A dedicated Emergency parking lot is on-site for patients arriving by vehicle.
Is the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital ER open on weekends and holidays?
Yes. The Emergency Department at MHRH operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and statutory holidays. Note that some on-site amenities, such as The Crisp Cafe, are closed on weekends and holidays.
Does Medicine Hat Regional Hospital have a heliport for air ambulance arrivals?
A heliport was included as part of the $220 million expansion approved in 2016. MHRH also serves as the South Zone EMS headquarters, coordinating both ground and air ambulance transport for the region.
What specialties are available if I'm admitted through the MHRH Emergency Department?
MHRH offers a broad range of inpatient specialties including intensive care, cardiac and cardio-respiratory services, a Level 2 Neonatal ICU, obstetrics, pediatrics, geriatrics, mental health services, the Margery E. Yuill Cancer Centre, and a Kidney Care Clinic, among others.
How does triage work in the MHRH Emergency Department?
MHRH uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), the national standard used in Canadian ERs. A nurse assesses every patient upon arrival and assigns a priority level from 1 (most critical) to 5 (least urgent). The most seriously ill or injured patients are treated first, regardless of when they arrived.
Is Medicine Hat Regional Hospital a teaching hospital?
Yes. MHRH is an active medical training site. Nursing and EMS students from Medicine Hat College train here, University of Calgary medical residents rotate through the Rural Alberta South family medicine program, and Canadian Forces Medical Service medics from CFB Suffield also train in the Emergency Department.