Slave Lake Healthcare Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. In general, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be less busy at smaller regional emergency departments. For non-urgent concerns, calling 811 first can help you decide whether an ER visit is necessary.

Busier times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. Like most emergency departments, expect higher volumes on evenings, weekends, and holidays. If your situation is not life-threatening, consider calling 811 or the Family Care Clinic during business hours.

About Slave Lake Healthcare Centre

Slave Lake Healthcare Centre is a fully integrated 24/7 emergency department serving Slave Lake and the surrounding northern Alberta communities within Treaty 8 territory, operated by Alberta Health Services. The facility combines acute care, continuing care, and community health services under one roof, offering a broad range of diagnostic and treatment capabilities including lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and respiratory therapy. Patients whose needs exceed on-site capabilities can be stabilized and transferred to a higher-level care facility, with medevac access supported through Slave Lake Airport.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Triage using Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging (X-ray), General medicine, Pharmacy, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Respiratory therapy, Hemodialysis, Obstetrics (prenatal, perinatal, postnatal, surgical), Pediatrics, Audiology, Oral health, Sexual and travel health, Palliative and respite care, Day surgery, Long-term continuing care, Home Care, Nutrition services, Immunizations, Indigenous Hospital Support Services, Breastfeeding clinic, Ambulatory services, Stabilization and medevac transfer coordination.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy
• Wheelchair accessible entrance and facilities
• Visiting hours: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, 7 days a week

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

• Call 811 (HealthLink) before heading to the ER if you are unsure whether your condition is an emergency — it is free, available 24/7, and can save you a long wait.
• The ED direct line is 780-805-3501 if you need to speak with emergency staff before arriving.
• Patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), so the most critical cases are treated first — arriving with a less urgent condition may mean a longer wait.
• If your condition requires a higher level of care, the centre can stabilize you and coordinate transfer, including medevac via Slave Lake Airport — let staff know if you have concerns.
• For primary care needs that are not emergencies, the Slave Lake Family Care Clinic may be a more appropriate and faster option for local residents.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care Insurance (AHCIP) card
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications including dosages
• List of known allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Provincial health coverage or private insurance information
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Comfortable clothing and a small personal bag for extended waits

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.