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No on-site physician coverage at Barrhead ED for 36 hours

Disruptions will occur from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on June 17-18, June 18-19 and June 21-22
Barrhead Healthcare Centre (VM)
Nursing staff will remain on site during the 12-hour periods without on-site physician coverage to provide triage and assessments.

he Barrhead Healthcare Centre will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage in its emergency department for three 12-hour periods over the next several days. 

As indicated by a release from Alberta Health Services (AHS), the first service disruption will run from 7 p.m. tonight, June 17 to 7 a.m. on Saturday, June 18. 

The next period will run from 7 p.m. on Sunday, June 19 to 7 a.m. June 20.

Finally, there will be no on-site physician coverage from 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21 to 7 a.m. on Wednesday, June 22. 

“This is a temporary measure and AHS is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time,” the release states. 

During this time, nursing staff will remain in the emergency department providing urgent triage and assessments, as well as referrals to health care facilities in neighbouring communities. 

Patients are asked to call 9-1-1 if they have a medical emergency. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) will still be available and patients may be rerouted to the Westlock Healthcare Centre or the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre. 

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. 

 

Ongoing problem 

This latest disruption in emergency care at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre comes on the heels of multiple such disruptions over the past six to seven months. 

The last such period occurred on March 29-30, and it was the third time that month there was no on-site physician coverage in the emergency department. However, these disruptions have occurred periodically since the end of November.

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.

Kevin Berger, TownandCountryToday.com

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