LAKELAND – Emergency rooms in hospitals in Lac La Biche, Elk Point, Hinton, and Beaverlodge will be staffed by a virtual physician when an in-person doctor is not available, offered through a provincial initiative that began on Jan. 20.
“It's not ideal, but it's a lot better than what we've been operating with in the meantime,” said Lac La Biche Deputy Mayor Jason Stedman in his report to Lac La Biche County council on Jan. 14.
Lac La Biche, like many other Alberta communities, has experienced several service disruptions at the emergency department (ED) at the William J. Cadzow - Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre, due to a lack of physicians. Right now, the ED has a "temporary physician shortage due to illness/leave/vacation/vacancies," according to Alberta Health Services (AHS). The disruption began on Jan. 3 and is expected to end on Jan. 31.
The virtual physician is part of a six-month pilot project being tested in four northern Alberta communities that have all struggled with regular service disruptions at their emergency rooms when no doctor was available.
Using phone and video conferencing technology in conjunction with the on-site nurses who will continue to triage patients and provide care, a doctor located elsewhere in the province will be able to assess patients, diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and admit to acute care.
According to AHS, the virtual physician will be providing care for patients with non-life-threatening issues.
“If patients have life-threatening issues, we have plans in place to get them the care they need through the support of EMS and surrounding facilities,” said Dr. Jane Ojedokun, the medical director for AHS North Zone.
According to AHS, on-site physician coverage remains a priority, and they are continuing to actively recruit doctors for the pilot communities.
