Medicine Hat Regional Hospital

Medicine Hat, AB · Open 24 Hours a Day, 7 Days a Week

Open 24/7

This emergency department is open around the clock.

Current ER Wait
Unknown Unknown
🏥 24/7 Emergency
📍 Medicine Hat

Last updated: recently · View all Alberta hospitals →

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

Parking & Transit

On-site parking is available via a multi-level parkade and a dedicated Emergency Lot, both located at 666 5 Street SW. The Parking Office is on the main floor in Room 104, open Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Online payment is accepted for parking citations and permits. A public parking map is available through Alberta Health Services. Specific rates are subject to change; contact the hospital for current pricing.

Medicine Hat Transit Route 21 — known as the 'Hospital' route — serves 32 stops throughout the city and departs from the central Transit Terminal. The on-demand MHTnow service also covers the central zone including the hospital area. All Medicine Hat Transit buses are fully wheelchair accessible. Door-to-door Handibus service is available for seniors and people with disabilities who are unable to use regular transit.

Best Times to Visit

🟢 Quieter times

No historical wait-time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (after the overnight rush but before afternoon peaks) tends to be less busy at most Canadian ERs. For non-urgent concerns, calling 811 first can help you decide if an ER visit is the best option.

🔴 Busier times

No historical wait-time data is currently available for this location. Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on Monday mornings, weekend evenings, and during peak cold and flu season (November through March). If your situation is not life-threatening, avoiding these windows may reduce your wait time.

Tips Before You Go

What to Bring

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.

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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.

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