Ponoka, AB · Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including holidays
Last updated: recently · View all Alberta hospitals →
Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre operates a 24/7 emergency department at 5800 57 Avenue in Ponoka, Alberta, serving patients from the surrounding central Alberta region including communities between Red Deer and Edmonton. The ED is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists, with triage conducted using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize the most urgent cases first. In addition to emergency care, the facility offers a broad range of inpatient and outpatient services including surgical, obstetric, psychiatric emergency, and continuing care services, making it a comprehensive community hospital for Ponoka and area residents.
Public on-site parking lots are available at Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre. The facility is wheelchair accessible throughout. Specific parking rates were not confirmed; contact the hospital at 403-783-3341 for current parking fee information.
No dedicated public transit routes to Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre have been confirmed. The hospital is located in Ponoka at the junction of Highway 2A and Highway 53, approximately 59 km north of Red Deer and 95 km south of Edmonton. Patients travelling from outside Ponoka are advised to arrange private transportation or contact the hospital for guidance.
No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. In general, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be less busy at community hospital emergency departments. Calling Health Link 811 before your visit can help you decide whether the ED is the right level of care for your situation.
Without historical wait data for Ponoka Hospital, general patterns suggest that weekend evenings, Friday nights, and evenings after 5:00 PM on weekdays tend to see higher volumes at community ERs. Statutory holidays can also increase wait times. If your condition is not urgent, consider visiting during daytime hours earlier in the week.
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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.