SMOKY LAKE - While some physician coverage has been found for a few days this week at the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre, overnight night hours at the emergency department will still see service disruptions throughout the month.
Physician coverage has been found for the emergency department during the day, from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., between June 12-14, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
"The emergency department will have a physician available on site to area residents in need of urgent care during this time," according to information released by AHS.
Beginning June 12, there will be no physician on site in the emergency department (ED) at the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre overnight the following times:
- 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 12 – 8 a.m., Thursday, June 13
- 7 p.m., Thursday, June 13 – 8 a.m., Friday, June 14
- 7 p.m., Monday, June 17 – 8 a.m., Tuesday, June 18
- 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 18 – 8 a.m., Wednesday, June 19
- 7 p.m., Wednesday, June 19 – 8 a.m., Thursday, June 20
- 7 p.m., Thursday, June 20 – 8 a.m., Friday, June 21
"Nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities, as needed," according to AHS.
Residents should call 911 if they have a medical emergency.
"EMS will remain available to the community and will work with the local healthcare centre to ensure residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need," according to AHS.
Residents can also call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.
If physician coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled.