*This story was updated to reflect an update from AHS sent out on Sept. 14. The original PSA stated the ED would be closed until 7 a.m. on Sept. 15 when in fact it will be closed until 7 p.m. on Sept. 15.
ELK POINT - The Emergency Department at Elk Point Healthcare Centre is once again seeing a temporary disruption in services due to a lack of registered nursing staff, according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
An inability to secure temporary coverage means the hospital's ED will be closed from 7 p.m. on Sept. 14 to 7 p.m. on Sept. 15.
"The ED may reopen sooner if coverage can be found," according to AHS.
"Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency," and "Nurses will remain on site in Acute Care" at the Elk Point hospital.
"Patient safety and care remain the highest priorities for AHS. The organization is working hard to ensure everyone will receive the care they need through its partnership with EMS and a supportive regional network of healthcare centres," says AHS.
The provincial health authority says is has a dedicated team focused on recruitment efforts.
"These efforts include aggressively pursuing both Canadian and internationally trained professionals; working to support flexible roles and scope of practice within AHS; and consulting with post-graduate education programs to enable work experience in non-urban facilities."
