The Stettler Hospital and Care Centre’s emergency department will be closed overnight due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage, Alberta Health Services announced Monday.
The emergency department closed at 5 p.m. Monday and was scheduled to resume normal operations at 8 a.m. Tuesday.
“AHS is working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time,” the provincial health authority said in a statement.
“Nursing staff will remain on-site in the ED providing triage and assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate EDs in surrounding communities as needed.”
Other services at the site are not impacted. On-call physician coverage will be available to support currently admitted inpatients and long-term care residents if needed.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency instead of going to the emergency department. During this time, EMS will transport patients requiring emergency care to nearby facilities, including Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre, Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre or the Drumheller Health Centre depending on their condition.
Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency, health-related questions.
“AHS is grateful for the support of staff and physicians who have helped minimize this temporary disruption as much as possible,” said AHS.
“Additionally, AHS appreciates the support surrounding healthcare centres and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.”
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