It is one of Canada's leading health sciences centres, providing a comprehensive range of diagnostic and treatment services to inpatients and outpatients.

[7][8] Because of UAH, the surrounding area has become part of a healthcare cluster that also includes the Cross Cancer Institute, the Heritage Medical Research Building, the Zeidler Ledcor Center, the Katz Group/Rexall Center for Pharmacy and Health Research, the Kaye Edmonton Clinic, and the Edmonton Clinic Health Academy.

Dr. Hepburn, a pioneering neurosurgeon, developed "The Edmonton Tongs" as initial treatment for cervical spine injuries in the late 1920s.

In 2006, the hospital had the most technically advanced and only intensive care unit dedicated solely to the treatment of burn patients.

[15] The program (multiple units) cares for medically ill, pre- and post-transplant, post-operative and traumatically injured and burned persons.

The GSICU produces high-impact scientific research led by nurses, physicians and trainees.Notable staff include Dr. Sarah Andersen (Intensivist and Harvard Bioethics Fellow), Dr. Fernando Zampieri (Intensivist and international research powerhouse), Dr. Tom Stelfox (Intensivist and the first Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta), and Matt Douma PhD RN (Clinical Nurse Specialist and expert in resuscitation science and family centred care).

The University of Alberta Hospital's cardiac sciences program includes adult and pediatric cardiology and heart surgery.

At the hospital, patients can receive heart, lung, liver, kidney, pancreas, intestinal and islet cell transplants.

No other program offers the complete range of transplant procedures — heart, kidney, liver, lung, heart/lung, small bowel, pancreas, islet, eye and tissue.

[23] The University of Alberta Hospital receives patients from all over Western Canada in the Fire Fighter's Burn Treatment Unit.

A multidisciplinary team that includes nurses, physicians and physical, respiratory, and occupational therapists provide care for burn patients.