A nursing shortage has forced Rocky Mountain House’s hospital to close six acute care beds.
The number of acute care beds available was reduced to 27 from 33 on Monday because of a temporary shortage of registered nurses and licensed practical nurses at Rocky Mountain House Health Centre. The beds are expected to remain closed for about a month.
“Patient care will not be affected as the site has sufficient capacity at this time,” says a statement from Alberta Health Services. “With the reduction of staffed beds, there is still space for additional patients as needed.
“This is a temporary measure only, and a last resort, while we continue every effort to fill nursing vacancies, and look forward to reopening the beds when safe staffing levels are reached,” says AHS.
The emergency department remains open, and there are enough beds available to ensure admissions will continue. There are no other service disruptions at the site.
Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.