No on-site physician coverage at Barrhead Healthcare Centre ED for 12-hours

BARRHEAD - The Barrhead Health Care Centre Emergency Department (ED) will be without on-site physician coverage for 12 hours.

Through a media release, Alberta Health Services (AHS) stated that the healthcare centre would be without on-site physician coverage for 12 hours starting on Tuesday, Aug. 23 from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Aug. 24.

AHS emphasized that during this period, nursing staff will remain on-site in the ED providing urgent triage, assessments and referrals for patients in alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities. 

Barrhead residents with a medical emergency are otherwise directed to call 9-1-1. Emergency medical services (EMS) will then be re-routed to the Westlock Healthcare Centre 41 kilometres away or the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre 99 kilometres away. 

Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the emergency department in Barrhead will also be aware of services available through local pharmacies. 

“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. 

“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.” 

Ongoing problem 

This latest disruption in emergency care at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre comes on the heels of multiple such disruptions over the past seven months. The latest disruptions were a series of four 12-hour periods on Aug. 13, 15, 17 and 18.