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Northwest Health Centre, also known as High Level General Hospital, is the primary acute and continuing care facility serving High Level and the surrounding northern Alberta region. The emergency department operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, providing care for major trauma, cardiac events, injuries, and general medical emergencies using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale. Patients requiring a higher level of care can be stabilized on-site and transferred to a larger facility, making this ER the critical first point of emergency care for a wide and remote geographic area.
Services & Specialties
24/7 emergency department, Acute and continuing care, Major trauma stabilization, Cardiac emergency care, X-ray and diagnostic imaging, Laboratory and blood collection services, Mental health and addiction services, Palliative care, Public health and community health, Obstetrics and family medicine, Ophthalmology (specialist), Paediatrics (specialist), Psychiatry (specialist), Respiratory therapy, Interpreter and translation services, Postpartum depression screening, Infant and child immunizations, Breastfeeding support and early discharge program, Walk-in counselling and outreach (Addiction & Mental Health), Patient transfer coordination to higher-level care.
Amenities
Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities
On-site laboratory services
Addiction and Mental Health Clinic with walk-in counselling (Thursdays 9 a.m.–12 p.m. and 1–3 p.m.)
The building's exterior doors are locked from 8:00 PM to 7:00 AM. Use the buzzer on the left side of the building to gain access after hours — staff on duty will let you in.
For non-emergency services, specialty clinic availability, or to confirm appointment details, call the main line at 780-841-3200, Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.
If you require a surgical consult or specialty clinic visit for ophthalmology, paediatrics, or psychiatry, a physician referral is required — arrange this in advance through the on-site medical clinic.
As a regional hub, Northwest Health Centre serves a large remote area. If your condition is complex, be prepared for the possibility of stabilization and transfer to a larger urban centre such as Edmonton.
Interpreter and translation services are available at the ER — inform staff of your language needs when you arrive or call ahead so arrangements can be made.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing doctors
Any relevant medical history documents or recent test results
Information on known allergies (medications, food, environmental)
Emergency contact name and phone number
Personal comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snack, warm clothing)
Payment method in case any non-insured services are required
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Northwest Health Centre ER open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at Northwest Health Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. However, the building's exterior doors are locked between 8:00 PM and 7:00 AM. A buzzer is located on the left side of the building — press it and staff on duty will open the door for you.
What is the phone number for Northwest Health Centre?
The main phone number for Northwest Health Centre is 780-841-3200. The switchboard is answered 24/7, with calls forwarded after regular office hours (Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.).
Can Northwest Health Centre handle serious emergencies, or will I be transferred?
The emergency department is equipped to assess and stabilize patients experiencing major trauma, cardiac events, injuries, and serious medical conditions using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale. If your condition requires a higher level of care than available on-site, the team will stabilize you and coordinate a safe transfer to a larger facility.
Does Northwest Health Centre offer mental health services?
Yes. The facility has an on-site Addiction and Mental Health Clinic offering services for children, youth, adults, and older adults. Walk-in counselling is available on Thursdays between 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–3:00 p.m. Outreach services are also available. The clinic operates Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Is Northwest Health Centre also known by other names?
Yes. Northwest Health Centre is also referred to as High Level General Hospital and High Level Hospital. It is the main acute and continuing care facility for the High Level area and surrounding northern Alberta communities.
Does the ER at Northwest Health Centre offer translation or interpreter services?
Yes, interpreter and translation services are available at Northwest Health Centre. If you or someone in your care requires language assistance, inform emergency department staff upon arrival or call ahead so that appropriate arrangements can be made.