Northern Lights Regional Health Centre

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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

• On-site pharmacy at 7 Hospital Street
• Fort McMurray Community Cancer Centre (on-site)
• Wheelchair-accessible entrances and parking
• AHS Parking app accepted for lot payment

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 7 walk-in clinics in Fort Mcmurray →

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Tips Before You Go

• Emergency doors are locked after midnight as a safety measure — if you arrive late at night, approach the door and staff will assist you in gaining entry.
• Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), meaning those with the most critical conditions are treated first. Come prepared to wait if your condition is non-life-threatening.
• The Domestic Abuse Response Team (DART) is available through referral at the emergency department at no cost — participation is entirely voluntary and available to patients of all genders.
• Download the free AHS Parking app before your visit to make parking payment faster and easier when you arrive at the hospital.
• If you are travelling from one of the rural communities in the Wood Buffalo region such as Fort Chipewyan or Conklin, call ahead at 780-791-6161 to understand your options, including whether ambulance or air transport coordination may be needed.

What to Bring

• Valid government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence or passport)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• List of current medications, doses, and prescribing physicians
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging if available
• Provincial health coverage information or private insurance details
• Payment method for parking (or pre-download the AHS Parking app)
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer, as wait areas can be cool
• A phone charger or portable battery, especially if a long wait is possible

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.