Medicine Hat Regional Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Medicine Hat Regional Hospital

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

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 2 walk-in clinics in Medicine Hat →

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

• 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

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.