There will be a pair of overnight closures at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre’s emergency department this week.
Alberta Health Services has announced the department will be closed from 6 p.m. on Tuesday to 7 a.m. on Wednesday, and again from 6 p.m. on Wednesday to 7 a.m. on Thursday due to gaps in physician coverage.
“This is a temporary measure. AHS continues to make every effort to find coverage for the time above. If coverage is secured and the and the ED can remain open, the community will be notified,” AHS said in a media release.
”Nursing staff will remain in the ED during the closures to assess any patients who present to the ED. They will provide first aid where needed and refer patients to alternate care facilities in surrounding communities, including the Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre, Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service, and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, as needed.”
EMS will be available to transport patients to other facilities depending on their condition, the provincial health authority noted.
“All other services at the site will continue to operate as normal throughout these closures. Inpatient units are not affected, and patients will continue to receive the care and support they need.”
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions. Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care are also encouraged to call their family physician.
“We are thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time,” said AHS.
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