Royal Alexandra Hospital

Royal Alexandra Hospital (RAH) is a large acute care hospital located in northwest Edmonton, Alberta. It operates under Alberta Health Services and serves a broad population including the city and northern communities. The hospital provides a wide range of general and specialized medical and surgical services, integrating both inpatient and outpatient care. Its address is 10240 Kingsway NW, Edmonton, AB, with a 24/7 emergency department.

Services & Specialty Care

RAH offers many specialized programs: cardiac care including a Cardiac Catheterization Lab and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit; thoracic surgery; general surgery; addiction recovery; acute care for the elderly; otolaryngology; and many outpatient clinics. Diagnostic services include imaging (CT, X-ray, ultrasound), lab services spanning biochemistry, microbiology, genetic labs, and electrodiagnostics (e.g. EEG). There are also programs for bronchoscopies, gastroenterology procedures (gastroscopy, colonoscopy, ERCP), diabetic foot / leg ulcer clinics, respiratory disease clinics including COPD, and many chronic disease management clinics.

Patient & Community Features

The hospital ensures accessibility via disabled parking at main entrances, public transit access, wheelchair-friendly design. Formal visiting hours have been removed in the Edmonton zone; visiting is based on patient care needs. There are interpretive and translation services. Outpatient departments allow consultations, treatments, post-operative follow-ups. The Registration department handles inpatient admissions, ambulatory clinic appointments, and ED registration. There is also Indigenous Hospital Support Services offering cultural, spiritual, discharge and advocacy supports.

Strengths & Challenges

Strengths of RAH include its breadth of specialty services under one institution, strong diagnostic and surgical capacity, and its role as a referral centre for more complex care in Edmonton and northern Alberta. It offers multiple clinics and programs that reduce the need for travel for many patients. The presence of programs for addiction recovery, chronic disease, and outreach is also valuable. On the other hand, challenges include managing high patient volumes especially in ED, potential wait times in specialty outpatient and diagnostic clinics, complexity navigating such a large hospital, and possible congestion in parking and transport especially for visitors. Some very specialized treatments may require referral to other centres or delays.

Practical Information & Tips for Patients & Families

Telephone: 780-735-4111. For outpatient or specialist clinic visits, check if referral or appointment is required in advance. Bring your Alberta health card / identification and any relevant medical documentation. If visiting through transit or private vehicle, allow ample time for parking or navigating entrances. For non-English speakers, request translation or interpretation. For emergencies, go directly to the ED which is open 24/7. Use hospital maps or ask staff to guide you to the correct department or clinic.