SMOKY LAKE - The emergency department (ED) at the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre may experience service disruptions throughout the month of January due to no physician on site.
Date where disruptions may take place include:
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 2 - 8 a.m., Friday, Jan. 3
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 9 - 8 a.m., Friday, Jan. 10
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 16 - 8 a.m., Friday, Jan. 17
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 23 - 8 a.m., Friday, Jan. 24
- 4 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 30 - 8 a.m., Friday, Jan. 31
"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," reads information released by Alberta Health Services (AHS) on Jan. 2.
"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 for non-emergency health-related questions.
"If coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled," according to AHS.
AHS also reminds people to be "polite and respectful," when contacting healthcare staff.
"Our team is working hard to provide the best care, and kindness helps create a positive experience for everyone," reads the information released by AHS.
Residents with concerns can provide feedback through the Patient Relations team. For more information, call 1-855-550-2555.
"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," according to AHS.
