LAC LA BICHE - The emergency department at the William J. Cadzow - Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre will be without onsite physician coverage for several dates in April.
According to Alberta Health Services (AHS) those dates currently include:
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 2, 2025 - 8 a.m., Wednesday, April 3, 2025
- 4 p.m., Monday, April 7, 2025 - 8 a.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, April 8, 2025 - 8 a.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025
- 4 p.m., Wednesday, April 9, 2025 - 8 a.m., Thursday, April 10, 2025
"During this time, nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities, as needed," says AHS.
People are reminded to call 911 if they have a medical emergency.
"EMS will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, as needed," says AHS.
Virtual Emergency Physician coverage may be available during the dates listed.
"The Virtual Emergency Physician program uses an experienced rural/northern ED physician to remotely support facilities temporarily without available on-site ED physician support. Site clinical staff can connect with an AHS physician by telephone or videoconference for ED patients with non-life threatening issues," according to AHS.
"This off-site virtual physician can collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients."
The Virtual Emergency Physician program is being piloted in five communities, including Beaverlodge, Elk Point, Hinton, Lac La Biche and Edson.
"Community members are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions. Depending on their needs, patients may also be aware of services available through local pharmacies," according to AHS.
Residents with concerns can provide feedback through the AHS Patient Relations team. For more information, call 1-855-550-2555.
