The Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service (SLAACS) will be temporarily closed today until 3 p.m. due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage.
Individuals who arrive at the Sylvan Lake Community Health Centre to receive care from the SLAACS during the closure will be redirected to other available care options appropriate to their needs.
People can also access medical care for urgent health concerns from facilities in nearby communities including Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House during the closure.
Appointments scheduled for other services within the health centre including public health or laboratory services are not impacted by the closure of the SLAACS.
The SLAACS offers diagnosis and treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions including minor cuts or burns, muscle and joint strains, bone fractures and fever in young children.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) and local medical staff recognize that the temporary closures of the SLAACS are a concern to community members and will continue to collaborate to secure additional support for the SLAACS so that the service can maintain regular hours.
Additional new physicians are expected to be arriving early this year to support the SlAACS and other community-based services.
Service is expected to resume at the SLAACS later today.