Battlefords Union Hospital

Best Times to Visit

Quieter times: No historical wait time data is currently available for this location. As a general guide, mid-morning on weekdays (Tuesday through Thursday) tends to be quieter at most regional hospital ERs. If your situation is not life-threatening, visiting during these windows may reduce your wait.

Busier times: Without historical wait data, general patterns suggest Monday mornings, Friday afternoons, and weekend evenings typically see higher ED volumes at regional hospitals. Evenings after 6:00 PM and holiday periods also tend to be busier.

About Battlefords Union Hospital

Battlefords Union Hospital (BUH) is the primary acute care facility serving North Battleford and the broader Battlefords region of Saskatchewan, offering 24/7 emergency services under the Saskatchewan Health Authority. The Emergency Department handles a wide range of medical needs, from urgent trauma and cardiac cases to mental health crises, backed by on-site general surgery, critical care, and a dedicated Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre. Residents throughout northwest Saskatchewan rely on BUH as their regional hub for emergency and specialist-level care.

Services & Specialties

24/7 Emergency Medicine, Critical Care, General Surgery, Mental Health Care, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Care Centre, Inpatient Medicine, Outpatient Clinics, Laboratory and Diagnostic Services, Palliative Care, Telehealth Services, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech-Language Pathology, Cardiac Rehabilitation, Respiratory and Pulmonary Rehabilitation, Pharmacy Services, Public Health Services.

Amenities

• Cafeteria (lower level, Monday–Friday 9:00 AM–1:00 PM, excluding holidays)
• Vending machines (across from cafeteria)
• Coffee machine available to the public
• Gift Shop in lobby (Mon–Fri 10:00 AM–4:00 PM & 6:00–8:00 PM; Sat–Sun 1:00–3:30 PM, hours vary by volunteer availability)
• Pharmacy services on site
• Smoke-free campus including parking lots and vehicles

Other Care Options

Not every health issue needs an ER visit. Find out where to go for care →

Pharmacists in Saskatchewan 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

• Upon arrival, proceed directly to triage — a nurse will assess the urgency of your condition before you are seen by a physician.
• Patients are not seen in order of arrival at BUH's ED; the most critical cases are prioritized, so expect variable wait times depending on department volume.
• If your symptoms worsen while waiting — physically or mentally — notify a triage nurse immediately so your condition can be reassessed.
• You cannot book an appointment in the Emergency Department; walk in directly for urgent or emergency care.
• If you are travelling from a rural community in the Battlefords region, call ahead to (306) 446-6600 when possible so the team can prepare for your arrival.
• For non-emergency needs, explore whether BUH's outpatient clinics or telehealth services may be a more appropriate option than the ED.

What to Bring

• Saskatchewan Health Card (provincial health card)
• Government-issued photo ID
• List of current medications, dosages, and allergies
• Any relevant medical records or recent test results
• Provincial drug plan or private insurance information
• Emergency contact name and phone number
• Comfortable clothing if a lengthy stay is possible
• Cash or debit card for parking, vending machines, or the gift shop

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 Saskatchewan health data. Actual wait times may vary.

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.