SUNDRE – Physician coverage at the local hospital has been secured to cover holiday daytime shifts at the emergency department, confirms Alberta Health Services.
However, the Myron Thompson Health Centre’s emergency department continues to face temporary overnight closures in the lead-up to the new year.
According to a press release issued earlier today – Thursday, Dec. 28 – physician coverage has been found to ensure the emergency department is available from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both Dec. 28 and Dec. 29.
“The emergency department will remain open and available to area residents in need of urgent care during these times,” reads a portion of the AHS statement.
But “due to a gap in physician coverage,” the emergency department will still temporarily be closed overnight from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. Dec. 28-31.
“These closures are a last resort after all options to find alternative coverage have been exhausted at this time,” reads the statement.
Although the emergency department will temporarily be closed, nursing staff will nevertheless remain on shift during the closures to assess any patients who arrive seeking care.
“They will provide first aid where needed and refer patients to alternate care facilities in surrounding communities, including the Olds Hospital and Care Centre, Didsbury District Health Services and Rocky Mountain House Health Centre as needed.”
Additionally, EMS will also reportedly be available to provide transportation to other facilities depending on a patient’s condition.
Meanwhile, all of the other services regularly offered at the centre will continue on as normal, and inpatient units will reportedly not be affected by the emergency department’s temporary closure.
Click here for updates on closures and service disruptions throughout the province.
