Provost Health Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for Provost Health Centre. As a rural 24/7 emergency department, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be quieter at facilities of this size. For non-life-threatening concerns, arriving earlier in the day on a weekday also allows access to on-site diagnostics such as X-ray and lab services.

Busier times: Without specific historical wait data, general guidance applies: Monday mornings and Friday afternoons often see higher volumes as patients address concerns held over the weekend or before the weekend begins. Evenings after 5:00 pm may also be busier as physician clinic hours end and patients redirect to the ER for after-hours care.

About Provost Health Centre

Provost Health Centre is a full-service rural hospital located at 5002 54 Ave in Provost, Alberta, providing 24/7 emergency department care to residents of the Provost area and surrounding communities. The ER is staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists, and uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize patient care. For conditions beyond the facility's scope, the centre can stabilize patients and coordinate transfers via ground ambulance, fixed-wing aircraft, or STARS to regional centres including Wainwright, Lloydminster, Edmonton, and others.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Triage using Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), General X-Ray / Diagnostic Radiography (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–4:30 pm), Laboratory Services (Mon–Thu, 8:00 am–4:30 pm), Obstetrics and Maternity Care, Surgical Services (minor procedures and elective surgery), Cardiac Monitoring, Respiratory Therapy, Continuing Care (24/7 residential), Palliative and Respite Care, Nutrition Counselling (Adults and Pediatric), Occupational Therapy (Outpatient/Community), Telehealth — Newborn/Pediatric Emergency Connection to Stollery Hospital (Edmonton), Interpreter/Translation Services, Patient Transfer Coordination (STARS, fixed-wing, ground ambulance), Primary Care Network (PCN) — multidisciplinary team care, On-site Pharmacy (Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–3:00 pm).

Amenities

• Cafeteria — hot lunch daily; sandwiches and snacks available; supper must be pre-ordered
• On-site Pharmacy — Mon–Fri, 8:30 am–3:00 pm (prescription required); phone: 780-753-3316
• Wheelchair-accessible throughout the facility
• Ambulance bay on site
• Visiting hours: Monday–Sunday, 2:00 pm–8:00 pm

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

• For pediatric or newborn emergencies, know that Provost Health Centre has telehealth access directly connecting to the Stollery Children's Hospital in Edmonton — staff can consult specialists remotely during your visit.
• If you need X-rays as part of your follow-up or non-emergency care, radiology is only available Monday–Friday, 8:30 am–4:30 pm; plan accordingly for outpatient imaging.
• The on-site pharmacy closes at 3:00 pm on weekdays and is not open on weekends, so fill any post-discharge prescriptions promptly or arrange an alternative pharmacy in advance.
• For complex cardiac, stroke, or major trauma cases, be aware that Provost Health Centre can stabilize and arrange transfer — knowing which regional centre you may be sent to (Wainwright, Lloydminster, or Edmonton) can help family members plan ahead.
• The facility also houses a physician clinic with 6 doctors — if your condition is non-urgent, booking a clinic appointment through the Primary Care Network may be faster and more appropriate than an ER visit.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card or provincial health card
• Government-issued photo ID (driver's licence or passport)
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or imaging from previous visits
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (hospital rooms can be cool)
• Snacks and water for extended wait times
• Payment method for any applicable prescriptions or non-covered services

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.