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BARRHEAD — There will be no on-site physician coverage in the emergency department (ED) at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre from 7 p.m. tonight, July 4, to 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 5.
A release from Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed the overnight disruption late Monday. As per usual, nursing staff will remain on site in the ED providing triage and assessments, as well as referrals to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities.
Patients are asked to call 9-1-1 if they have a medical emergency. EMS (Emergency Medical Services) will be available to transport patients to either the Westlock Healthcare Centre or Whitecourt Healthcare Centre.
The release states this is a temporary measure and AHS is working hard to ensure that local residents continue to have access to the care they need.
“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.
Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the ED in Barrhead may also be made aware of services available through local pharmacies.
Calls of a non-emergency medical nature may also be made to 8-1-1, which is available 24/7.
More disruptions
After several months of disruptions in emergency care at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre, the months of April and May were relatively stable.
However, the situation changed in mid-June, with 12-hour periods of no on-site physician coverage in the ED occurring on June 17-18, 18-19, 21-22, 27-28 and June 30 to July 1.
Due to high vacancies among nursing staff, the Boyle Healthcare Centre is also on reduced hours between July 1 and Aug. 1, 202. The facility will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day but will be closed overnight.
Similarly, the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre is also on reduced hours until Saturday, July 9 due to a lack of nursing staff. Like Boyle, the facility is open during the day but closed overnight.
