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Swan Hills Healthcare Centre is a 24/7 acute and palliative care facility located at 29 Freeman Dr in Swan Hills, Alberta, serving the surrounding rural communities of central Alberta. The emergency department provides assessment, treatment, and stabilization for all urgent and emergency medical needs, with the ability to transfer patients requiring specialized or higher-level care to larger regional centres. As a small-community hospital, Swan Hills Healthcare Centre is known for personalized care and typically short wait times, making it the primary emergency care destination for residents of Swan Hills and the surrounding area.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Services, General Medicine, Laboratory Services, General Radiography (X-Ray), Palliative Care, Addiction and Mental Health Services (Adult and Youth), Detoxification Program (18+ Alberta Residents), Home Care, Immunization (Adult and School Services), Ambulatory Services, Early Childhood Intervention Program, Breastfeeding Clinic, Health Promotion Programs, Community Health Unit, Medical Clinic (Monday to Friday), Environmental Public Health Services, Equipment Loan Program, Alberta Aids to Daily Living Program, Assertive Outreach Services, Health Information and Records Management.
Amenities
Wheelchair accessible facility
Interpreter and translation services available
On-site addiction counsellor (one day per week, with weekday consultation availability)
Swan Hills Healthcare Centre is known for shorter-than-average ER wait times compared to larger urban hospitals — arriving promptly when you need care is encouraged.
If your condition requires specialized diagnostics, surgery, or advanced cardiac or trauma care, be prepared that staff may stabilize you and arrange transfer to a larger regional centre.
The medical clinic operates Monday to Friday — for non-emergency concerns, visiting during clinic hours may be more appropriate than the ER.
Call ahead at 780-333-7000 to confirm available services or amenities before your visit, especially for specialized programs like the detox program or addiction and mental health services.
Remember that the ER operates on a priority triage system using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS) — the sickest patients are always seen first, so non-urgent concerns may involve a wait.
What to Bring
Alberta Health Care Insurance Plan (AHCIP) card
Government-issued photo ID
List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant medical records or recent test results
Contact information for your family doctor or regular specialist
Personal comfort items (water bottle, snack, warm layer) in case of a wait
Phone charger or portable battery pack
A trusted support person or family member if possible
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Swan Hills Healthcare Centre have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes, Swan Hills Healthcare Centre operates a 24/7 emergency department at 29 Freeman Dr in Swan Hills, Alberta, providing around-the-clock emergency care for the community and surrounding region.
What happens if my condition requires care beyond what Swan Hills Healthcare Centre can provide?
If a patient requires a higher level of care — such as advanced trauma, cardiac intervention, or specialized surgery — the emergency team at Swan Hills Healthcare Centre will stabilize the patient and coordinate safe transport to an appropriate regional or urban centre.
Does Swan Hills Healthcare Centre offer addiction and mental health services?
Yes, the centre offers Addiction and Mental Health services for children, youth, adults, and older adults. A voluntary detoxification program is also available for Alberta residents aged 18 and older who need a safe, structured environment to withdraw from alcohol or other drugs.
Is Swan Hills Healthcare Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the facility is confirmed to be wheelchair accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs, it is recommended to call ahead at 780-333-7000 to make appropriate arrangements.
Are interpreter or translation services available at the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre ER?
Yes, interpreter and translation services are available at Swan Hills Healthcare Centre to support patients who communicate in languages other than English.
How are patients prioritized in the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre emergency department?
Patients are assessed using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), a standardized national triage system. Medical staff determine urgency upon arrival, and the most critically ill or injured patients are treated first, regardless of arrival order.