Stollery Children's Hospital

Best Times to Visit

About Stollery Children's Hospital

Stollery Children's Hospital operates Edmonton's only specialized pediatric emergency department, serving as the sole referral centre for critically ill and injured children across central and northern Alberta. As a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma site accredited by Accreditation Canada, the ED handles everything from minor urgent concerns to life-threatening emergencies 24 hours a day, seeing approximately 58,000 visits per year. Families from across Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories rely on the Stollery for complex pediatric cardiac surgery, trauma care, mental health crises, and other specialized services found nowhere else in the region.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department, Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Centre, Pediatric Cardiac Surgery (Western Canada referral centre), Pediatric Mental Health Crisis Assessment and Management, Pediatric Intensive Care, Organ Transplantation (national leader), ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), Berlin Heart Ventricular Assist Device (major North American referral centre), Pediatric Cystic Fibrosis Clinic, Canada's Pediatric Centre for Weight and Health, Cardiogenetics Clinic, Awasisak Indigenous Health Program, Specialized Audiology, Alberta Trauma Services, Outpatient and Urgent Psychiatry Clinic, Diagnostic Imaging, Cast Room (shared with University of Alberta Hospital), Child Life Program.

Amenities

• Main cafeteria (main level) — hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages
• Café Fantini (2nd level, near 114th Street pedway) — open Mon–Fri, 6:30 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
• Rexall Pharmacy (main level, near 114th Street south entrance) — fills outpatient prescriptions
• Stollery Kids Store (main floor) — toys, gifts, books, and cards
• Friends' Gift Shop (near 114th Street north entrance) — flowers, reading material, and music
• ATM on site (confirm location at information desk)
• Family Room — quiet space for resources, community referrals, and family support
• Computer kiosks and lockers for inpatient families
• Shared kitchenette on each inpatient unit (microwave, toaster, fridge, ice machine)
• Laundry and shower facilities for inpatient families
• Spiritual and cultural care services
• Child Life Program playrooms and programming
• Sibling childcare at Kepler Academy (College Plaza) for Stollery families
• Information desk approximately 50 metres inside the main entrance
• Wheelchair-accessible washrooms and facilities

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care → · 96 walk-in clinics in Edmonton →

Pharmacists in Alberta can assess and prescribe for dozens of common conditions. See what they can treat →

Compare hospital wait times across Canada. View all wait times →

Tips Before You Go

• The Stollery is the only specialized pediatric ER in central and northern Alberta — if your child has a serious or complex condition, this is the appropriate destination rather than an adult hospital ER.
• Park in the 4th floor of the East Public Parkade to use the pedway directly into the hospital's 2nd floor, saving time and avoiding outdoor weather — especially important in Edmonton winters.
• The ED sees roughly 58,000 visits per year; checking real-time wait times before you leave home can help you plan your arrival and set expectations for your wait.
• Bring a fully charged device and a portable charger — the ED has plug-ins to accommodate electronic games or e-readers to help keep children calm during longer waits.
• If your child requires a prescription after discharge, the Rexall Pharmacy on the main level can fill it on-site before you leave, saving an extra stop.

What to Bring

• Alberta Health Care card (provincial health insurance) for you and your child
• Government-issued photo ID for the parent or guardian
• List of all current medications, including dosages and frequency
• Any relevant medical history, previous test results, or specialist letters
• Comfort items for your child — a favourite toy, blanket, or stuffed animal
• Snacks and drinks for siblings or caregivers accompanying you
• Portable phone charger or device with downloaded games/movies to occupy your child
• A change of clothes for your child in case of illness or procedures

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.