Alberta is a large Canadian province with a diverse geography, culture, and economy. To manage the healthcare needs of its residents and visitors, the province is divided into five distinct geographical areas called Health Services Zones.
In this guide, we will explore each of these zones and provide valuable insights for locals and tourists who want to understand the healthcare system better. This guide will help you make informed decisions about healthcare services, facilities, and resources available in Alberta.
Zone 1- South Zone:
The southwestern part of Alberta is the South Zone, which includes Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, and the surrounding rural communities. Some popular tourist destinations in this area are the Waterton Lakes National Park, the Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, and the Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump World Heritage Site.
The South Zone has a total of nine hospitals and healthcare centers, including the Chinook Regional Hospital and the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital. There are also numerous clinics, urgent care centers, and long-term care facilities in the region.
Zone 2 – Calgary Zone:
Calgary, the largest city in Alberta, is part of the Calgary Zone, which comprises several urban and rural areas surrounding it. This zone has a population of more than 1.5 million people and is home to some of the most significant healthcare facilities in the province, such as the Foothills Medical Centre and the Rockyview General Hospital.
Besides healthcare centers, Calgary Zone has medical imaging facilities, mental health clinics, and rehabilitation centers.
Zone 3 – Central Zone:
The Central Zone is located in the heart of Alberta, covering a vast area of 68,000 square kilometers, which includes the cities of Red Deer and Camrose. This zone serves a population of over 600,000 people and is home to some of Alberta’s major tourist attractions, including the Royal Tyrrell Museum of Palaeontology, the Badlands, and the multiple lakes and parks.
The Central Zone has ten hospitals, including the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre, and the Camrose St. Mary’s Hospital. Medical services in this area also include rehabilitation, counseling, and outpatient clinics.
Zone 4 – Edmonton Zone:
The Capital city of Alberta, Edmonton, is part of the Edmonton Zone, which serves the metropolitan area and the surrounding regions. This zone has a whopping population of over 1.7 million people and is home to notable healthcare facilities such as the Grey Nuns Community Hospital, Royal Alexandra Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital.
Medical research and education centers like the Lois Hole Hospital for Women and the Northern Alberta Clinical Trials and Research Centre, are also situated in the Edmonton Zone.
Zone 5 – North Zone:
The North Zone covers over 400,000 square kilometers of northeast Alberta, from Athabasca and Lac La Biche to the Peace River region. This zone has a diverse geography, including boreal forests, lakes, rivers, and fertile farmland. It is home to several small towns and Indigenous communities.
The twelve hospitals and healthcare centers in the North Zone include the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital, Slave Lake Healthcare Centre, and High Level Health Center.
Conclusion:
This article provided an overview of the five Health Services Zones in Alberta and their respective healthcare facilities. These zones offer a comprehensive range of medical services, from acute and emergency care to rehabilitation and mental health support. Locals and tourists should review this guide to make informed decisions regarding their healthcare needs in Alberta.
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