SMOKY LAKE - Services disruptions are anticipated to take place at the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre emergency department over the next week.
The hospital will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage on starting at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 23, and going until 5 p.m. on Friday, May 24.
Then, starting at 8 a.m. on Monday, May 27 and until 5 p.m. on May 31, there will also be a service disruption at the emergency department, "Due to the inability to secure physician coverage," according to Alberta Health Services.
"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.
Patients 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," says AHS.
Residents can also call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.
If coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled.