Emergency department closed, nursing staff remain on site June 4 (4 pm) - June 5 (8 am), June 11 (4 pm) - June 12 (8 am), June 18 (4 pm) - June 19 (8 am), June 25 (4 pm) - June 26 (8 am) (Due to clinical personnel shortage) Reopening Fri, Jun 12, 11:59 p.m.
Normally: open 24/7
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About Smoky Lake (George Mcdougall Memorial) Healthcare Centre
George McDougall Memorial Healthcare Centre in Smoky Lake, Alberta operates a 24/7 emergency department serving rural communities across Smoky Lake County and surrounding areas. As a fully integrated facility operated by Alberta Health Services, the ED provides assessment, treatment, and stabilization for urgent and emergent conditions, with transfer pathways to higher-level urban centres like Edmonton for complex cases. Residents throughout the region—including children, adults, and seniors—rely on this ED as their primary point of emergency care, supported by on-site lab, X-ray, pharmacy, and specialist services.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) assessment, General medicine, Pediatric care, Laboratory services, Diagnostic imaging and general X-ray (24/7 on-call), Pharmacy, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Mental health and addiction services, Continuing care, Home and palliative care, Immunization and public health services, Parent and child programs, Interpreter and translation services, Respiratory therapy, Referrals and follow-up care coordination.
Call ahead at 780-656-3034 if you have a non-emergency concern — staff can advise whether the ED is the right level of care for your situation.
For life-threatening emergencies such as chest pain, stroke symptoms, or severe breathing difficulty, call 911 immediately rather than driving to the ED.
This is a rural facility — patients with complex or critical conditions may be stabilized and transferred to a higher-level centre in Edmonton. Be prepared for that possibility and inform staff of any travel concerns.
The ED prioritizes by urgency using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS). Patients with non-urgent concerns should expect longer waits when the department is busy.
If you require an interpreter or translation support, these services are available on-site — notify staff upon arrival so they can arrange assistance promptly.
Smoky Lake is about one hour from Edmonton, so arriving with a full phone charge and any essential medications or mobility aids is especially important for rural visits.
What to Bring
Valid Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
Government-issued photo ID
List of all current medications, dosages, and allergies
Provincial health information if transferred from another facility
Personal mobility aids (cane, walker, wheelchair) as needed
Comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, snacks, warm layer)
Emergency contact name and phone number
Previous relevant medical records or specialist referral letters if applicable
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the emergency department at George McDougall Memorial Healthcare Centre open 24 hours?
Yes, the emergency department at George McDougall Memorial Healthcare Centre in Smoky Lake is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.
What happens if my condition requires specialized care not available in Smoky Lake?
The ED team will stabilize you and coordinate a transfer to a higher-level facility, typically in Edmonton, if your condition requires more advanced care than is available on-site. Staff will manage and communicate this process with you and your family.
Does George McDougall Memorial offer mental health or addiction support through the ED?
Yes, the healthcare centre provides access to mental health and addiction services. If you arrive at the ED with a mental health concern, staff can assess you and connect you with appropriate services available at the site.
Is there X-ray available if I come to the ER after hours?
Yes, George McDougall Memorial Healthcare Centre has a general X-ray service available on-call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to support emergency care at any time.
Are interpreter services available at the Smoky Lake emergency department?
Yes, interpreter and translation services are available at the facility. Let the triage staff know you need language assistance when you arrive and they will arrange support for you.
Can children be treated at the Smoky Lake emergency department?
Yes, the emergency department at George McDougall Memorial Healthcare Centre provides care for patients of all ages, including infants, children, and youth. The facility has pediatric services as part of its integrated healthcare offering.