High River General Hospital

If you are experiencing any sort of mental health related distress do not, I repeat, DO NOT GO HERE. You are far better off driving an extra 10 minutes to go to the South Health campus. Let me share with you my dreadful experience from last night. I presented in the ER around midnight desperate for medical assistance for lack of sleep related to chronic physical illness symptoms. The doctor took one look at my medical history, saw that I had a history of mental health issues and instantly labeled me as a dramatic time-waster. He wouldn't listen to me and made no attempt to help me sort out what was going on in my head and what I needed help with. At the time I was too ill to piece together and verbally communicate what was going on and what assistance I needed. I now realize I had become unstable and unable to think straight due to lack of sleep. He proceeded to downplay what I was experiencing and attribute it all to "borderline". Even if that was the case, the treatment I received was not okay under any circumstances. Mental illness is not a choice and patients who are dealing with symptoms should not be treated like it's their fault. When a person goes to a doctor, they are often very scared, lack a sense of direction and are desperate for help. They place an incredible amount of trust in the doctor's hands. The doctor has a responsibility and moral obligation to identify how vulnerable their patients are and to respect the amount of courage it takes to reach out for help. They don't deserve to be judged, stigmatized or made to feel like they are at fault for illnesses that are beyond their control. I suggest that the staff here educate themselves on how to treat mental health patients with the dignity and respect they deserve. Trauma-informed care would be a great place to start. FOLLOW UP: After I had essentially been arguing with the doctor trying to advocate for myself, I turned around and told the doctor and nurses that I was sorry for wasting their time and I left. The nurse proceeded to follow me out and take a picture of my license plate. I started driving home only to see police lights in my rear-view mirror. I did everything right and abided by all the proper traffic rules and because of that my logic at the time and because I was under so much stress it didn't connect that I had to pull over. They didn't sound the sirens and they turned the lights off after following me for a couple of blocks. I thought I was okay and in the clear by that point. They didn't pull ahead of me and block me or sound the sirens so I believed I was in the clear. Low and behold, I check my mail this morning and it turns out that I have a 388 dollar ticket compliments of the lovely High River RCMP. I essentially incriminated myself for reaching out for help although I drove absolutely safely under extremely stressful conditions brought about by the staff at the High River Hospital.
1 8 years ago (03-05-2017)

I was there in April 2017 for day surgery. The staff was extremely attentive and caring and helpful and kind. I can only say good things. Thank you. They were on time. While I did not see the emergency lineup, it did not appear busy. There were magazines and a television and a comfortable waiting area.
5 8 years ago (14-04-2017)

The ER staff are very rude and not helpful at all. I don't understand who's making them so sad and cranky, and it's very unprofessional to take it out on patients. I'd rather drive to Calgary or Black Diamond.
1 7 years ago (11-07-2017)

Excellent staff and care in the day surgery ward
5 7 years ago (30-08-2017)

This is the worst hospital I have ever been to the docters a rude the staff are rude and we were the only people there at 1 am qnd the docter acted like she could not be bothered with us and was more concerned about her outfit. If u have a real issue Never go there you are wasting your time and risking your life if it's serious.
1 8 years ago (03-08-2016)