.jpg;w=960)
For the second time in as many weeks, there will be no on-site physician coverage in the emergency department (ED) at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre from 7 p.m. tonight, July 11, until 7 a.m. on Tuesday, July 12.
A release from Alberta Health Services (AHS) confirmed the overnight disruption earlier this afternoon.
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
There was also no on-site physician coverage at the Barrhead Healthcare Centre from 7 p.m. on July 4 to 7 a.m. on July 5, marking the latest such disruption in emergency care after months of similar incidents.
Last week, AHS also announced that the Swan Hills Healthcare Centre will be closed overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. daily until Aug. 9.
These temporary summer hours, which are the result of a lack of nursing staff, began in early June and were originally only supposed to last until July 9.
On June 30, AHS also announced that the Boyle Healthcare Centre would be closed overnight from 8 p.m. to 9 a.m. daily until Aug. 1.
