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St. Joseph's General Hospital is a full-service acute care facility operated by Covenant Health, serving Vegreville and the surrounding east-central Alberta communities since 1911. The 24-bed hospital runs a 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists, using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale to prioritize care. It is the primary emergency and acute care resource for the Vegreville area, located approximately 100 km east of Edmonton on the Yellowhead Highway.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Diagnostic Imaging (emergency, inpatient, and outpatient), Laboratory Services (emergency, inpatient, and outpatient), Cardiology and Cardiac Monitoring, Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Onsite Hemodialysis (in partnership with Alberta Health Services and Northern Alberta Renal Program), Orthopedic Surgery, Pediatric Services, Respiratory Clinic, Podiatry Clinic, Interpretive/Language Services (in-person, video, or phone), On-site Heliport for medical transport, BREATHE Program (seniors and dementia care).
Amenities
Cafeteria on the main floor, open daily 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (lunch served 11 a.m.–1 p.m.)
Vending machines at the front entrance
Chapel on the main floor for quiet reflection and prayer
Hospital volunteers providing support to patients and families
The sickest patients are seen first regardless of arrival time — if your condition is serious, go immediately without hesitation.
For major trauma, cardiac intervention, or stroke care, you may be transferred to a larger regional centre in Edmonton; calling ahead or coming by ambulance can help coordinate this faster.
If you or a family member requires language support, ask staff about interpretive services available in person, by live video, or by phone.
Bring any relevant health records, medication lists, or physician referral letters — the lab and diagnostic imaging are on-site and can support your ER visit.
The ER can be busiest during daytime and early evening hours; if your concern is non-urgent, consider whether a scheduled clinic visit may be more appropriate.
What to Bring
Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence)
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
List of all current medications, including dosages
Any relevant medical records or test results
List of known allergies
Personal health insurance information if applicable
Snacks, water, and something to read — wait times vary
A support person or family member if possible, especially for elderly or vulnerable patients
Frequently Asked Questions
Does St. Joseph's General Hospital in Vegreville have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes, the emergency department at St. Joseph's General Hospital is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year, including holidays.
Who operates St. Joseph's General Hospital in Vegreville?
St. Joseph's General Hospital is operated by Covenant Health, a Catholic health care organization committed to serving people of all faiths, cultures, and circumstances. It has served the Vegreville community since 1911.
Does the hospital offer dialysis services on-site?
Yes. St. Joseph's General Hospital provides on-site hemodialysis through a partnership with Alberta Health Services and the Northern Alberta Renal Program, so eligible patients do not need to travel to Edmonton for dialysis treatment.
Will I be transferred to Edmonton if my condition is serious?
For complex emergencies such as major trauma, cardiac interventions, or stroke care requiring specialized resources, patients may be transferred to a larger regional centre in Edmonton, approximately 100 km west. The hospital has an on-site heliport to support medical transport when needed.
Is parking free at St. Joseph's General Hospital?
Yes, free visitor parking — including accessible stalls — is available at the front of the hospital. There is no paid parking at this facility.
Does St. Joseph's General Hospital offer language interpretation services?
Yes. Interpretive services are available for patients and families who prefer to communicate in a language other than English. These services can be provided in person, through live video, or over the phone — ask hospital staff when you arrive.