Alberta Health Services (AHS) reports the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre Emergency Department will be without on-site physician coverage until 4 p.m. today, June 12.
AHS says the lack of coverage is due to a personnel shortage and an inability to secure temporary coverage. The shortage began at 7 a.m. this morning.
During this time, nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department to provide triage, assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities, as needed.
Residents should call 911 if they experience an emergency during this time, as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will still be available and will be rerouted to surrounding facilities.
Community members can also call Health Link at 811, which is available 24-7 for non-emergency health-related questions. Depending on their needs, services may also be available through local pharmacies.
In the meantime, AHS is working to find coverage for this time period, and if found, this advisory will be cancelled.
