Alberta Health Services (AHS) has notified our clinic that Diagnostic Imaging (X-ray) at the Drayton Valley Hospital & Care Centre will be renovating and replacing imaging equipment beginning January 7, 2026, with full service anticipated to resume by March 9, 2026.
While this disruption is inconvenient, this upgrade is long overdue—and we are genuinely pleased to see AHS investing in modernized equipment for our community.
Important: Hospital X-ray will be reserved for hospital patients only
During the renovation period, the hospital will have limited X-ray capacity (mobile equipment with basic exams only).
We have been advised that this limited X-ray service will be reserved for hospital patients only, including:
- Emergency Department (ER)
- Acute Care
- Long-Term Care (LTC)
➡️ No outpatient/community X-ray appointments will be available at the hospital during this time.
This means that any X-rays ordered by our clinic/physicians will need to be completed outside of Drayton Valley until local outpatient access resumes.
If your clinician determines you need an X-ray during this period:
- We will send your requisition to an out-of-community imaging site, or provide you with instructions on where to go.
- Please plan for possible travel time and appointment availability at receiving sites.
AHS has noted that full Diagnostic Imaging services are available at alternate facilities including (but not limited to):
Rocky Mountain House Health Centre, Rimbey Hospital & Care Centre, and Wetaskiwin Hospital & Care Centre.
What the hospital can do during renovations (for hospital patients)
AHS advises that during the renovation window, the hospital’s mobile unit can complete basic X-rays only, including:
- Chest
- Upper extremities (upper arm to fingers)
- Lower extremities (lower leg to toes)
- Shoulders and knees (trauma only)
Some studies are very limited and may depend on clinical need and patient factors (for example abdomen, some shoulder views, small hips/pelvis, cervical spine). AHS also notes that many other exams cannot be performed at the site during this period.
Update on the former ACMS X-ray clinic
At this time, there are also no X-ray services available at the former ACMS X-ray clinic. It remains closed while legal matters are ongoing. We understand there is hope it may reopen under new management in the near future, and we will keep the public informed as soon as we have confirmed details.
Thank you for your patience
We recognize how disruptive this is for patients and families. We appreciate everyone’s patience during this transition, and we are optimistic that the end result will be improved imaging services for Drayton Valley.
If you have questions about an X-ray requisition or where to go, please contact our clinic.
For emergencies, call 911 or go to the nearest Emergency Department.
