Stettler Hospital & Care Centre

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. Generally, mid-morning to early afternoon on weekdays tends to be less busy in rural hospital emergency departments. For non-life-threatening concerns, arriving earlier in the day on a weekday may result in a shorter wait.

Busier times: No historical data is available to identify peak periods at this facility. As with most emergency departments, Friday evenings, weekends, and statutory holidays typically see higher patient volumes. If your condition is not urgent, consider timing your visit to avoid these windows when possible.

About Stettler Hospital & Care Centre

Stettler Hospital & Care Centre, located at 5912 47 Avenue in Stettler, Alberta, is the primary regional healthcare hub serving Stettler and the surrounding central Alberta communities. The facility operates a 24/7 emergency department staffed by physicians, registered nurses, LPNs, and respiratory therapists, using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) to prioritize care. With 26 acute care beds, two operating theatres, on-site obstetrics, pediatrics, surgical services, and a renal dialysis unit, this full-service rural hospital delivers a breadth of care rarely found outside larger urban centres.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care (26 beds), Pediatric Care, Surgical Services (two operating theatres, visiting surgeons), Obstetrical Care (approx. 200 deliveries/year), Renal Dialysis / Hemodialysis Unit, Cardiac Monitoring, General Radiography (X-Ray), Portable Ultrasound (ER and Labour & Delivery), Laboratory Services, Respiratory Therapy & Pulmonary Function Testing, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Language Pathology, Nutrition Counselling (Adult & Pediatric), Pharmacy (on-site), Palliative Care, Continuing Care (24/7 residential), Community Addiction & Mental Health (Adult & Youth), Asthma Education, Patient Admitting & Registration.

Amenities

• On-site pharmacy
• Cafeteria and modernized food service area (new addition)
• Patient food services
• Atrium refuge/waiting space for patients and families
• Gift shop
• Wheelchair access throughout the facility

Other Care Options

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Tips Before You Go

• If you need admitting or registration services and your visit is non-emergency, note that registration staff are available daily from 6:45 am to 11:00 pm — outside those hours, go directly to the Emergency Department.
• The ER sees approximately 1,000 patients per month, so evenings and weekends tend to be busier. Arriving earlier in the day for less urgent concerns may mean shorter waits.
• For patients travelling from rural areas in the Stettler County, be aware that Highway 56 is the primary route — check road conditions seasonally before driving, especially in winter.
• The hospital has visiting surgeons from Red Deer performing procedures on site — if you require a surgical referral, ask your ER physician whether your procedure can be handled locally.
• If you or a family member need Handi-Bus service to the hospital, arrange transportation in advance as the service operates Monday through Friday only.

What to Bring

• Valid provincial health card (Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and prescribing physicians
• List of known allergies (medications, foods, substances)
• Any relevant medical records, referral letters, or recent test results
• Insurance or supplemental health benefit information
• Personal comfort items for potential waiting periods (snacks, charger, book)
• Contact information for your family physician or specialist

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.