Families in the Calgary area may also consider Alberta Children's Hospital or other Alberta Health Services emergency facilities depending on their location and the nature of their child's condition.
South Health Campus Children's Emergency (C-Pod) is a dedicated pediatric emergency unit located within the South Health Campus in Calgary, Alberta, serving families from south Calgary, Okotoks, High River, Strathmore, and surrounding communities. The nine-bed pod features themed rooms with murals, a private family waiting area, and fully monitored beds capable of managing seriously ill children, infants, and adolescents — including sedations and emergency procedures. As part of one of Calgary's largest hospitals and a referral centre for southern Alberta, this pediatric ER provides specialized emergency care in a child-friendly environment staffed by emergency physicians, registered nurses, and respiratory therapists.
Services & Specialties
Dedicated pediatric emergency department (C-Pod) with 9 monitored bedsEmergency care for infants, children, and adolescentsPediatric sedation and emergency proceduresMental health emergency assessment and consultation for youth over 14Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) assessmentRespiratory therapy servicesIntensive care unit (ICU) on siteCardiac diagnosticsPulmonary diagnosticsRapid Access UnitBone and Joint Cast ClinicDay surgery unitsMultilingual interpreter services
Amenities
ATM in the Emergency Department waiting room and on the main level near the Wellness Centre
Rexall Pharmacy on-site
Good Earth Café and Market Café
Beverage and snack vending machines near the Forest parking elevators
Water stations adjacent to the Market Café and Good Earth Café
Free Wi-Fi — connect to 'healthspot' network and accept the use policy
Wellness Centre featuring a YMCA, Wellness Kitchen, climbing wall, weight room, and track
Multilingual interpreter services through the hospital's multicultural program
Motorized scooter available for patient use (request at Level 1 information desk)
Wheelchair accessible facility with wheelchairs available at the parkade, main entrance, and ED
Smoke-free and scent-free campus
Parking & Transit
South Health Campus has three parking lots including a dedicated Emergency parking lot. Rates include $2.00 per half-hour, $14.25 daily, $41 weekly, and $85 monthly for visitor/patient passes. Senior discounts are available. Pay stations accept cash and all major credit cards. Designated accessible parking spaces are located near all elevators, and public wheelchair depots are available in the parkade, at the main entrance, and in the Emergency Department.
South Health Campus is served by Calgary Transit bus routes 14, 23, 75, 79, 302, 863, and 864. The nearest stops are on 45 St SE at Front St SE and Seton Blvd at Auburn Bay St SE.
Best Times to Visit
🟢 Quieter times
No historical wait time data is available for this location. Generally, emergency department volumes tend to be lower on weekday mornings and early afternoons. For non-life-threatening concerns, checking real-time wait times before leaving home can help you plan your visit.
🔴 Busier times
No historical wait time data is available for this location. Emergency departments across Canada are typically busiest on evenings, weekends, and holidays. If your child's situation is not immediately life-threatening, these periods may involve longer waits.
Tips Before You Go
Enter through the main Emergency Department — staff will direct you to the dedicated children's C-Pod area, which has its own private waiting space separate from the adult ED.
All patients are triaged using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS); the most critical cases are seen first, so wait times can vary depending on the volume and severity of other patients.
If your child requires a mental health emergency assessment, note that South Health Campus sees adolescents aged 14 and older — younger children may need to visit Alberta Children's Hospital.
Use the free 'healthspot' Wi-Fi to keep yourself informed and entertained during your wait — simply open a browser and accept the use policy after connecting.
If you need medication filled, a Rexall Pharmacy is located on-site, making it convenient to fill any prescriptions before you head home.
What to Bring
Provincial health card (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card)
Government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian
List of the child's current medications, dosages, and any known allergies
Immunization records if relevant to the presenting concern
Any existing referral letters or medical records related to the visit
Comfort items for the child such as a favourite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal
Snacks and a water bottle for caregivers, as wait times can vary
Phone charger or portable battery pack to stay connected during your visit
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Children's Emergency at South Health Campus separate from the adult ER?
Yes. The pediatric C-Pod is a dedicated children's emergency area located directly adjacent to the main adult Emergency Department. Patients enter through the main ED and are directed to the C-Pod, which has its own themed rooms, murals, and a private family waiting space designed to be less intimidating for young patients.
What ages does the South Health Campus Children's Emergency treat?
The C-Pod is designed to care for pediatric patients including infants and children. For mental health emergency services, South Health Campus sees adolescents aged 14 and older. Families with younger children requiring mental health emergency support may be directed to Alberta Children's Hospital.
Can the C-Pod handle seriously ill or critically injured children?
Yes. Every bed in the C-Pod is fully monitored, allowing staff to care for seriously ill children, perform emergency procedures, and carry out sedations. The unit is equipped with specialized equipment sized for small children and infants.
Is South Health Campus a good alternative to Alberta Children's Hospital for pediatric emergencies?
South Health Campus Children's Emergency is a strong option for families in south Calgary and surrounding communities like Okotoks, High River, and Strathmore, handling more than 14,000 pediatric emergency visits per year. Alberta Children's Hospital is approximately 40 km away and serves as the primary pediatric referral centre; the two facilities complement each other, and pediatric emergency medicine residents train at both sites.
Is there parking available near the Emergency Department at South Health Campus?
Yes. One of the three parking lots on campus is designated specifically for Emergency use. Parking rates start at $2.00 per half-hour, with daily, weekly, and monthly pass options available. Pay stations accept cash and all major credit cards, and accessible parking is available near elevators throughout the campus.
Are interpreter services available at South Health Campus Children's Emergency?
Yes. South Health Campus offers multilingual interpreter services through its multicultural program. If you or your family requires interpretation, staff can arrange for an interpreter speaking your language. Simply let a staff member know when you arrive.
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 using historical volumes, current patient counts, and staffing. Actual wait times may vary.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.