Another gap in coverage is expected for the Edson and District Healthcare Centre due to an inability to secure locum coverage.
According to officials with Alberta Health Services, there will not be an onsite physician in the Emergency Department at the Edson and District Healthcare Centre between 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 4, and 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 5.
Nursing staff say they will remain on site to redirect patients to alternative care options as needed. Residents are also reminded they can still dial 911 at any time in the event of an emergency and that healthlink remains available 24/7 for non-emergencies by dialing 811.
Officials apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and thank residents for their patience.
AHS officials say the new Virtual Emergency Physician may be available during this gap in coverage.
The Virtual Emergency Physician program allows an experienced ED physician to remotely support facilities that are temporarily without on-site ED physician coverage. Through this program, remote physicians are able to connect with patients via telephone or videoconference and can then collaborate with local staff to order tests or medication and transfer or discharge patients.
This program is currently being piloted in several communities in Alberta, including BeaverLodge, Elk Point, Hinton, Lac La Biche, and Edson.
