Olds Hospital & Care Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait-time data is available for this facility. Generally, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at rural community hospitals. Arriving earlier in the day may also mean faster access to diagnostic services like X-ray and laboratory.

Busier times: Emergency departments across Canada typically experience higher volumes on Monday mornings, Friday evenings, and weekends. Late evenings can also be busier. However, for any true emergency, do not delay seeking care — go immediately regardless of the time.

About Olds Hospital & Care Centre

Olds Hospital & Care Centre, located at 3901 57 Ave in Olds, Alberta, provides 24/7 emergency care to residents of Olds and the surrounding Mountain View County region. The facility offers a full-service emergency department staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists, using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize patients by urgency. Beyond emergency care, the hospital supports acute care, surgical services, obstetrics, hemodialysis, continuing care, and a broad range of rehabilitation and outpatient programs, making it a comprehensive community health hub for central Alberta.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care, Surgical Services, Obstetrics Services, Hemodialysis (Alberta Kidney Care – South), Cardiac Monitoring, Laboratory Services, General Radiography (X-Ray), Respiratory Therapy, Physiotherapy (Outpatients/Community), Occupational Therapy (Outpatients/Community), Speech Language Pathology (Outpatients/Community), Nutrition Counselling (Adults and Pediatric), Wound and Ostomy Care, Seniors Mental Health Program, Breathe Easy Program (Pulmonary Rehabilitation), Pharmacy Services, Type A Continuing Care Home, Transition Services (Continuing Care Counsellors and Social Workers), Interpreter/Translation Services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria: open Monday–Friday, 8:45 am – 4:00 pm (outside hours, food service available to ER and inpatients only)
• Vending machines available on site
• Internal hospital pharmacy: open Monday–Friday, 8:00 am – 4:15 pm (prescription required; not a public retail pharmacy)
• Wheelchair-accessible parking and entrance
• Volunteer Resources program on site

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

• If you arrive outside registration hours (Mon–Fri 7:45 am–9:00 pm or Sat–Sun 8:00 am–4:15 pm), proceed directly to the Emergency Department — ED staff will handle your registration.
• The Olds Hospital ER serves as the primary emergency facility for Mountain View County. For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe trauma, call 911 immediately rather than driving yourself.
• If your condition is not life-threatening, consider whether a walk-in clinic or your family doctor in Olds might be appropriate — this helps keep the ER available for urgent cases.
• The hospital cafeteria closes at 4:00 pm on weekdays. If you anticipate a long ER wait, bring snacks and water for yourself and any accompanying family members.
• Visiting hours are 11:00 am – 8:00 pm daily. If you are accompanying a patient, plan your visit within these hours unless directed otherwise by ED staff.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance (AHCIP) card or provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
• Complete list of current medications, doses, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or imaging results
• List of current physicians and specialists with contact information
• Payment method for any applicable parking fees
• Snacks, water, and entertainment for potential wait times
• A trusted support person or family member if 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.