Royal Alexandra Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Royal Alexandra Hospital

The Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) in Edmonton, Alberta operates a busy 24/7 emergency department handling over 84,000 visits annually, providing care for major trauma, cardiac emergencies, serious injuries, and general medical conditions. As a major tertiary care teaching hospital affiliated with the University of Alberta, the RAH offers access to specialized services including interventional cardiology, trauma surgery, ophthalmology, and women's health — making it one of the most comprehensively equipped emergency facilities in Western Canada. Patients requiring advanced critical care are supported by a 25-bed General Systems Intensive Care Unit staffed around the clock by intensivists.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Care (24/7 Trauma Medical Service), Interventional Cardiology (C.K. Hui Heart Centre), General Systems Intensive Care Unit (25 beds), Ophthalmology & Eye Emergencies (Eye Institute of Alberta), Hip & Knee Orthopedic Surgery (Orthopedic Surgery Centre), Women's Health & Obstetrics (Lois Hole Hospital for Women), Stroke Prevention Clinic, Minimally Invasive Surgery (Centre for Minimally Invasive Surgery), Thoracic Surgery, Urology Surgery, Pediatric Urology, Child and Adolescent Mental Health, Indigenous Health Program, Thrombosis Clinic, Urgent General Internal Medicine Clinic, Mechanical Ventilation & Hemodynamic Monitoring (ICU), Interpreter and Translation Services, Respiratory Therapy.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (basement level) — hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages
• Second food outlet in Robbins Pavilion lobby — hot and cold meals and snacks
• Vending machines near cafeteria and in the Emergency Department
• Rexall Pharmacy at main entrance — fills outpatient prescriptions
• Two gift shops operated by the Women's Auxiliary (Robbins Pavilion lobby and main entrance lobby)
• Robbins Chapel (2nd floor, Robbins Pavilion) — open 24/7
• Multi-faith chapel at main entrance — open 24/7
• Ted & Lois Hole Healing Garden (2nd floor, Robbins Pavilion)
• Wheelchair accessible throughout
• Smoke-free facility (smoking only permitted off hospital property)

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 96 walk-in clinics in Edmonton →

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

• The RAH handles over 84,000 ER visits per year — one of Alberta's busiest EDs. Arriving with patience and a charged phone is strongly recommended, as wait times can be significant during peak periods.
• Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). The most critically ill patients are seen first regardless of arrival order — if your condition is not life-threatening, expect a wait.
• Dedicated Emergency Centre parking is available directly on 102 Street, separate from the main hospital parkade. Use zone 6489 on the AHS Parking app to pay without returning to your vehicle.
• Interpreter and translation services are available in the Emergency Department — inform triage staff immediately if you or your family member requires language assistance.
• A Rexall Pharmacy is located just inside the main entrance and can fill discharge prescriptions before you leave the hospital, saving a separate trip.
• If you are an Indigenous patient or family member, ask staff about the Indigenous Health Program, which provides culturally appropriate support services available at the RAH.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., Alberta driver's licence or passport)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• List of all current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, imaging, or referral letters
• Provincial health coverage or extended benefits information
• Phone charger or portable battery pack for long waits
• Snacks and a water bottle (vending machines are available but lineups can occur)
• A book, headphones, or something to occupy your time during potential wait periods

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.