Northern Lights Regional Health Centre

Fort Mcmurray, AB

Current ER wait · AHS

3h 25m

24/7

Updated just now · All Alberta hospitals

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Shortest wait Mondays 12pm avg ~32m
Longest wait Saturdays 5am avg ~3h 48m

Nearby Alternatives

Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital

Fort Saskatchewan · 356 km away

5h 11m

Strathcona Community Hospital

Sherwood Park · 371 km away

3h 2m

Northeast Community Health Centre

Edmonton · 370 km away

2h 54m

Sturgeon Community Hospital

St Albert · 369 km away

3h 49m

Royal Alexandra Hospital

Edmonton · 377 km away

5h 14m

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Before you go, check if a pharmacist can help

Your pharmacist can assess and prescribe for 30+ common conditions including UTIs, cold sores, pink eye, allergies, shingles, contraception. No appointment needed.

See all 30 conditions
  • Acne (mild)
  • Allergies (seasonal)
  • Canker sores
  • Cold sores
  • Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
  • Contraception (hormonal & emergency)
  • Dandruff
  • Dermatitis & eczema
  • Diaper rash
  • Dry eyes
  • Fungal skin infections
  • Headache (mild)
  • Heartburn & indigestion
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Impetigo
  • Insect bites & stings
  • Lyme disease prevention
  • Menstrual pain
  • Minor joint & muscle pain
  • Nasal congestion
  • Nicotine dependence (smoking cessation)
  • Oral thrush
  • Pinworms
  • Prescription renewals
  • Shingles
  • Sleep disorders (minor)
  • Sore throat
  • UTI (uncomplicated)
  • Warts
  • Yeast infections

All 30 conditions your pharmacist can treat in Alberta →

A pharmacy assessment fee may apply. Some services funded through Alberta's Compensation Plan for Pharmacy Services.

Source: Alberta College of Pharmacy

Not sure? Call 811 — a registered nurse can help you decide. Free, confidential, 24/7.

7 Hospital St, Fort Mcmurray, AB (780) 791-6161 Hospital website

About Northern Lights Regional Health Centre

Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is Fort McMurray's primary acute care hospital, serving the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo — a vast 66,300 square kilometre region encompassing Fort McMurray and nine rural communities including Fort Chipewyan, Anzac, and Conklin. Operating as part of Alberta Health Services since its founding in 1966, the centre offers a full-service 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists. With approximately 102 beds and a broad range of specialty services, it is the definitive destination for emergency and urgent care needs across the Wood Buffalo region.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, General Surgery, Maternity Services, Mental Health Services, Laboratory Services, Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray), Rehabilitation Services, Ambulatory Care, Home Care, Speech-Language Pathology, Community Health Services, Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre, Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART), Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy Services, Inpatient Medicine.

Amenities

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

What to Bring

Frequently Asked Questions

What area does Northern Lights Regional Health Centre serve?
Northern Lights Regional Health Centre is the primary hospital for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (RMWB), a 66,300 square kilometre region. It serves Fort McMurray as well as nine surrounding rural communities including Anzac, Conklin, Fort Chipewyan, and Fort McKay.
Are the emergency doors open all night at Northern Lights Regional Health Centre?
The emergency department is open 24/7, but the emergency entrance doors are locked after 12:00 AM as a safety precaution to help staff monitor the flow of visitors and patients. Emergency patients can still access care at any hour — approach the door and staff will assist you.
Does Northern Lights Regional Health Centre have a pharmacy on-site?
Yes, a pharmacy is located on-site at 7 Hospital Street, Fort McMurray. For hours and specific services, call the hospital at 780-791-6161.
Is domestic violence support available through the emergency department?
Yes. The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) provides specialized, confidential support to patients of all genders who have experienced domestic violence. DART is accessible through a referral at the emergency department, participation is voluntary, and there is no cost to the patient.
How does Northern Lights Regional Health Centre decide who gets seen first in the ER?
The emergency department uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to assess all incoming patients and prioritize care. The most critically ill or injured patients are always seen first, regardless of arrival order. Patients with less urgent conditions should be prepared for longer wait times.
Is there a cancer centre at Northern Lights Regional Health Centre?
Yes, the Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre is housed within Northern Lights Regional Health Centre at 7 Hospital Street. This allows residents of Wood Buffalo to access cancer care locally without travelling to larger centres.

More Emergency Rooms in Alberta

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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.

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