BOYLE — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is indefinitely extending the reduced operating hours at the Boyle Healthcare Centre, which have been in effect since last summer.
AHS issued a news release on Feb. 28 indicating that the reduced operating hours, which sees the facility closed from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily, is being extended “due to high vacancies among nursing staff and an ability to secure sufficient temporary coverage.”
This notice differs from other similar announcements from AHS regarding the Boyle Healthcare Centre over the past year in that there is no specified end date for these restrictions.
The healthcare centre will continue to be open to the public from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., which is when the majority of emergency department and outpatient visits occur. Inpatient admissions, however, remain closed.
“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 (Emergency Medical Services) and a robust regional network of healthcare centres,” the release states.
“We are thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time.”
Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the emergency department in Boyle may also be made aware of services available through local pharmacies.
Also, inquiries about non-emergency medical needs can be made to Health Link at 8-1-1, which is available 24/7.
On Feb. 8, a crowd of nearly 350 people packed the Boyle Community Centre to hear AHS’ detailed plans for the future of the health care centre, which has been operating on reduced hours since last July.
At that time, AHS officials assured the community that there are no plans to close the facility despite the staffing concerns that have plagued it and other rural hospitals.
