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Milk River Health Centre is a rural community health centre operated by Alberta Health Services, serving Milk River and the surrounding southern Alberta region with 24/7 emergency care. The emergency department provides assessment, treatment, and stabilization, with transfers arranged to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge (approximately 87 km away) for higher-level care such as trauma, cardiac, or stroke services. This facility is well-suited for residents requiring urgent care for non-critical conditions, and also houses long-term care, home care, laboratory, X-ray, and public health services under one roof.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) patient assessment, Patient stabilization and transfer coordination, General Radiography (X-Ray), Laboratory Services, Home Care Services, Adult Outpatient & Community Physiotherapy, Public Health Nursing, Immunization (Adult, Infant/Preschool, and School), Mental Health Services, Palliative Care, Audiology and Children's Allied Health Services, Alberta Healthy Living Program, Better Beginnings Program, Basic Life Support Ambulance Service, Advanced Life Support Paramedic Service (regional), Air Ambulance Access (fixed and rotary wing), Interpreter and Translation Services.
Amenities
Cafeteria (open 7:00 am – 4:00 pm, seven days a week)
Vending machines
Wheelchair accessible facility
Interpreter and translation services
Co-located Milk River Medical Clinic (Chinook Primary Care Network)
For non-emergency health questions, call Health Link at 811 (available 24/7) before making the trip to the emergency department — a registered nurse can advise whether a visit is necessary.
Patients with serious conditions such as suspected stroke, heart attack, major trauma, or high-risk obstetric emergencies will be stabilized on-site and transferred to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge (~87 km); if you can safely travel there directly in an emergency, consider calling 911 for guidance.
The co-located Milk River Medical Clinic (same address) is open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–4:00 pm — for non-urgent concerns during clinic hours, this may be a faster option than the ED.
Interpreter and translation services are available at this facility — inform staff of your language needs upon arrival.
If you require accessible parking or have specific mobility needs, call ahead at 403-647-5511 to confirm accommodations before your visit.
What to Bring
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, doses, and allergies
Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
Health insurance or supplemental benefit plan information
Emergency contact name and phone number
Comfortable clothing for potential extended wait times
Snacks or water for accompanying family members, as cafeteria hours are limited to 7:00 am–4:00 pm
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Milk River Health Centre emergency department open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at Milk River Health Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including weekends and holidays.
What types of emergencies can Milk River Health Centre treat?
The emergency department can assess and treat a wide range of urgent conditions, including illness, injuries, and acute medical needs. For higher-level emergencies such as major trauma, cardiac events, stroke, or high-risk obstetrics, staff will stabilize patients on-site and arrange transfer to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge (approximately 87 km away).
Who provides care in the Milk River Health Centre emergency department?
Care in the emergency department is provided by a team that may include physicians, registered nurses (RNs), licensed practical nurses (LPNs), and respiratory therapists (RTs). All patients are assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize care based on urgency.
Is there a walk-in clinic or family doctor at Milk River Health Centre?
Yes, the Milk River Medical Clinic, part of the Chinook Primary Care Network, is co-located at the same address (517 Centre Ave E). It operates Monday to Friday, 9:00 am–12:00 pm and 1:00–4:00 pm, excluding statutory holidays. For non-urgent health concerns during those hours, the clinic may be a more appropriate option than the emergency department.
Does Milk River Health Centre offer interpreter services?
Yes, interpreter and translation services are available at Milk River Health Centre. If you require language assistance, please inform staff upon your arrival.
What other health services are available at Milk River Health Centre beyond emergency care?
Beyond the emergency department, the facility offers laboratory services, general X-ray, physiotherapy, home care, mental health services, palliative care, public health nursing, immunizations, audiology, and children's allied health services. The facility also includes 21 long-term care beds and community support beds for respite and palliative care.