The Smoky Lake hospital emergency department will be without a physician on side for a few days over the next two weeks.
Dates include:
- 4 p.m., Thursday, December 5 - 8 a.m., Friday, December 6
- 4 p.m., Thursday, December 12 - 8 a.m., Friday, December 13
- 4 p.m., Thursday, December 19 - 8 a.m., Friday, December 20
"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 information from Alberta Health Services (AHS), sent out on Dec. 3.
If coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled, according to AHS.
"Patients are asked to 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."
Residents can also call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.
"This is a temporary measure and AHS is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time," according to AHS, adding, "We are grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time."
