The Royal Alexandra Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital were placed on lockdown earlier today as emergency protocols were activated, prompting a shelter-in-place order for staff, patients, and visitors.
Officials confirmed that the precautionary measures were taken in response to an ongoing security situation, though details about the nature of the threat remain limited.
According to Edmonton Police Service (EPS) and hospital authorities, the lockdown was initiated shortly after reports of a suspicious incident on or near hospital grounds.
While authorities have not publicly specified the exact nature of the threat, both facilities quickly implemented their standard safety protocols to ensure the security of everyone inside. Hospital entrances were secured, and routine operations were temporarily suspended to allow law enforcement and emergency personnel to assess the situation.
The University of Alberta Hospital, which shares a close operational and emergency coordination relationship with the Royal Alexandra Hospital, also enacted a shelter-in-place order.
Staff and patients were instructed to remain in secure areas, and all non-essential movement within the hospital was halted. Emergency and critical care services continued under heightened safety measures, ensuring that patients in urgent need of medical attention still received care without interruption.
Hospital administration emphasized that the lockdown measures were purely precautionary and that patient care remained a top priority. “Our primary concern is always the safety and well-being of our patients, staff, and visitors,” said a spokesperson for the University of Alberta Hospital.
“We are working closely with law enforcement and emergency responders to manage the situation and will provide updates as more information becomes available.” The lockdown led to temporary disruptions across both hospital campuses, including delays in elective procedures and routine appointments.
Families and friends of patients reported increased anxiety as access to patient areas was restricted, while hospital staff worked diligently to maintain communication with those affected.
Social media posts from witnesses indicated that emergency personnel were seen securing entrances and conducting controlled assessments of key areas within both hospitals.
Edmonton Police Service confirmed that officers are actively on site and are investigating the incident. Residents and community members have been advised to avoid the hospital area unless absolutely necessary.
EPS stressed that there is no ongoing threat to the broader public and that the lockdown measures are contained within the hospital grounds. Authorities continue to urge calm while the situation is assessed.
Updates are expected throughout the day as officials provide more information regarding the cause of the lockdown and the timeline for returning to normal operations.
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