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
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
Parking
Paid parking is available on site 24/7. Rates are $2.50 per half hour (or portion thereof) with a daily maximum of $15.00. Weekly and monthly rates are available for longer stays. Pay via the AHS Parking app (zone 6489), coin, or credit card at pay stations — no need to return to your vehicle. Dedicated Emergency Centre parking is located on 102 Street. Designated disabled parking is available on upper and lower levels at the main Kingsway Avenue entrance. A parkade is accessible off Kingsway Ave/102 St, with an additional lot near the Community Services Centre (enter off 111 Ave).
Getting There
The Royal Alexandra Hospital is located on Kingsway Avenue NW, a major Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) corridor. Multiple bus routes serve the Kingsway/101 Street area. Check the ETS trip planner at edmonton.ca/transit for current routes and schedules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What level of trauma care does the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department provide?
The Royal Alexandra Hospital provides comprehensive trauma care through its Trauma Medical Service, which operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The RAH is equipped to handle major trauma including complex injuries, and its ICU provides mechanical ventilation, hemodynamic monitoring, and multi-organ support for critically ill patients.
Does the Royal Alexandra Hospital ER have specialists available for cardiac emergencies?
Yes. The C.K. Hui Heart Centre is located on the RAH campus and specializes in interventional cardiology and non-surgical treatment of coronary artery disease. Cardiac patients presenting to the ER have access to one of Alberta's leading cardiac care programs, including interventional procedures and a maternal heart health program.
Are interpreter services available at the Royal Alexandra Hospital Emergency Department?
Yes. Interpreter and translation services are available in the Emergency Department at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. If you or a family member requires language assistance, inform triage staff as soon as you arrive so arrangements can be made promptly.
How does triage work at the Royal Alexandra Hospital ER?
All patients presenting to the RAH Emergency Department are assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), a standardized system that prioritizes patients based on the severity of their condition. The most critically ill or injured patients are seen first. Staff will identify themselves by name, occupation, and intended actions, and wear Alberta Health Services photo ID.
Is there parking available at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for emergency patients?
Yes. Dedicated Emergency Centre parking is located on 102 Street, directly adjacent to the emergency department. Paid parking is available 24/7 at a rate of $2.50 per half hour with a $15.00 daily maximum. You can pay using the AHS Parking app (zone 6489), by coin, or by credit card at pay stations without returning to your vehicle.
Does the Royal Alexandra Hospital have services specifically for women and children?
Yes. The Lois Hole Hospital for Women is housed within the Royal Alexandra Hospital and provides specialized obstetric, gynecologic, and women's health services. The RAH also offers a Child and Adolescent Mental Health Program and Pediatric Urology Clinic, and several University of Alberta departments including Obstetrics & Gynecology are headquartered at the facility.
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.
This hospital does not publish a live wait, so the figure above comes from our model rather than from its own feed. We publish how that model performs where it can be checked, at the hospitals that do publish. See the accuracy scorecard, or how we work the number out.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.
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