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Wainwright Health Centre is a full-service rural hospital operated by Alberta Health Services in Wainwright, Alberta, serving the town, surrounding communities, and the nearby military base. The 24/7 emergency department offers acute care, stabilization, and transfer coordination, supported by on-site CT, diagnostic imaging, laboratory, obstetrics, and a primary stroke centre. Patients requiring a higher level of care can be stabilized on-site and safely transferred to a larger centre, making Wainwright Health Centre the essential first point of emergency care for the region.
Services & Specialties
24/7 Emergency Department, Acute Care (21 beds), Obstetrics / Maternity Unit, Primary Stroke Centre, Computed Tomography (CT), General Radiography (X-Ray), Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory Services, Endoscopy Services, Cardiac Monitoring Services, Cardiac Exercise Stress Testing, Cardiac Rehabilitation Program, Cardiology Clinic, Heart Function Clinic, Outpatient IV Clinic, Occupational Therapy, Physiotherapy, Nutrition Counselling (Adults and Pediatric), Patient Pharmacy Services, Adult Day Support, Health Information / Records Management, Patient stabilization and inter-facility transfer.
Call Health Link 811 before heading to the ER for non-life-threatening concerns — registered nurses are available 24/7 and can advise whether you need emergency care.
Wainwright Health Centre has on-site CT, X-ray, and lab, so many diagnostic tests can be completed without transfer — bring any prior imaging or test results you have.
If you are experiencing stroke symptoms, the ER team is trained in stroke protocols and can coordinate rapid transfer to a Primary or Comprehensive Stroke Centre if needed — call 911 immediately.
For non-emergency medical transportation from outlying areas, contact the Wainwright and District Handivan Society (587-281-9347) or Focus Transportation Society (780-853-4121) in advance.
As a smaller rural ED, the environment is personal and community-focused — expect triage using the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale (CTAS), which prioritizes the most critical patients first regardless of arrival order.
What to Bring
Alberta Health Care Insurance Card (AHCIC / provincial health card)
Government-issued photo ID
List of all current medications, dosages, and allergies
Any relevant prior medical records, imaging, or test results
Personal health number and emergency contact information
Provincial drug coverage or extended health insurance information
Comfort items for potential wait times (water bottle, phone charger, warm layer)
Payment method for any applicable pharmacy or non-insured services
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Wainwright Health Centre have a 24/7 emergency department?
Yes. The emergency department at Wainwright Health Centre is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year, staffed by physicians, registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, and respiratory therapists.
Can Wainwright Health Centre treat stroke patients?
Wainwright Health Centre has a Primary Stroke Centre designation, and the emergency team is trained in stroke protocols. If your condition requires a higher level of stroke care, the team can stabilize you and coordinate an urgent transfer to a Comprehensive Stroke Centre.
Is there CT scanning or X-ray available at the Wainwright ER?
Yes. The facility has on-site Computed Tomography (CT), general X-ray, and a full diagnostic imaging department, allowing many urgent tests to be completed without transferring you to another hospital.
Does Wainwright Health Centre offer maternity or obstetric emergency care?
Yes. The hospital has a dedicated maternity unit with four beds and provides obstetric services. Emergency obstetric care is available through the 24/7 emergency department.
Is parking free at Wainwright Health Centre?
Yes. Free visitor parking is available on-site. Alberta Health Services provides free parking at rural hospitals, including Wainwright Health Centre. Wheelchair-accessible spaces and building access are also provided.
What transportation options are available if I can't drive to Wainwright Health Centre?
The Wainwright and District Handivan Society (587-281-9347) offers wheelchair-accessible transportation for residents who are medically unsafe to drive. The Focus Transportation Society (780-853-4121) can arrange rides to medical appointments in Vermilion and larger centres. For emergencies, always call 911.