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BARRHEAD - For the second time this month, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has announced there will be no on-site physician coverage within the emergency department at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre for two 12-hour periods.
According to a release from AHS, the first disruption in service is set to run from 7 p.m. tonight, June 27, to 7 a.m. on Tuesday, June 28.
The second disruption will occur from 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 30 to 7 a.m. on Friday, July 1.
During these 12-hour periods, staff will remain in the emergency department providing urgent triage and assessments, as well as referrals to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities.
Patients are still asked to call 9-1-1 if they have a medical emergency. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will still be available within the community and patients may be rerouted to the Westlock Healthcare Centre (41 kilometres away) or the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre (99 kilometres away).
Depending on their needs, patients seeking help at the hospital may also be made aware of services available at local pharmacies. As well, residents can make non-emergency medical-related inquiries by calling 8-1-1.
“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,” the release states.
As indicated earlier, the Barrhead Healthcare Centre also saw similar overnight disruptions in emergency care on June 17-18, June 18-19 and June 21-22.
However, such temporary disruptions have been ongoing since last November. In March alone, there were three periods when there was no on-site physician coverage in the emergency department.
The Swan Hills Healthcare Centre is also on reduced hours until July 9 due to a lack of nursing staff. The facility is open during the daytime hours of 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. but is otherwise closed overnight.
