St. Theresa General Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this facility. As a general guide for small rural hospitals, mid-morning on weekdays tends to be less busy than evenings, weekends, or holidays. For non-urgent concerns, calling AHS HealthLink (811) first can help you determine the best time and place to seek care.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify specific peak periods at this ER. Like most emergency departments, evenings, weekends, and public holidays may see higher patient volumes. If your condition is not urgent, consider calling AHS HealthLink (811) at 780-927-3761 to plan your visit accordingly.

About St. Theresa General Hospital

St. Theresa General Hospital is the primary healthcare facility serving Fort Vermilion and the surrounding remote northern Alberta region, offering a 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists. The ER provides assessment and treatment for major trauma, cardiac events, injuries, and general medical problems using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), and can stabilize and arrange transfer to larger centres such as Grande Prairie or Edmonton for cases requiring a higher level of care. With 26 acute-care beds and a broad range of services including laboratory, X-ray, mental health, and maternity care, this hospital functions as an essential full-service community hospital for one of Alberta's most remote northern communities.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Trauma assessment and treatment, Cardiac event care, General Radiography (X-Ray), Laboratory Services, Maternity and Maternal Child Health, Addiction and Mental Health Services (Adult and Youth), Rehabilitation Services, Palliative Care, Continuing Care (8-bed unit), Home Care, Respiratory Therapy Clinic, Immunization Services (Adult, Infant/Preschool, School), Health Promotion, Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program, Equipment Loan Program, Breastfeeding Clinic, Patient stabilization and inter-facility transfer.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (open 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, seven days a week)
• Vending machines (available at some sites — confirm on arrival)
• Interpreter and translation services

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• St. Theresa General Hospital is the only hospital in the Fort Vermilion area — for life-threatening emergencies, call 911 immediately rather than driving yourself.
• The ER uses the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS): the most critically ill patients are seen first. If your condition is non-urgent, be prepared for a longer wait.
• For complex or specialized conditions such as advanced cardiac intervention or pediatric subspecialties, the hospital will stabilize you and arrange transport to a larger centre like Grande Prairie or Edmonton — bring any medication lists or prior medical records to speed this process.
• If you are unsure whether your situation requires an ER visit, call AHS HealthLink at 811 to speak with a registered nurse before making the trip — especially important given Fort Vermilion's remote location.
• Interpreter services are available at the hospital, so non-English speakers should not hesitate to request assistance upon arrival at the ER.

What to Bring

• Government-issued photo ID (e.g., driver's licence)
• Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records, test results, or referral letters
• Health benefits or supplemental insurance information
• Emergency contact information for a family member or caregiver
• Comfortable clothing and a warm layer (hospital rooms can be cool)
• Snacks, water, and a phone charger for potential wait times

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.