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There will be no on-site physician coverage in the Barrhead Healthcare Centre’s emergency department (ED) for a total of 50 hours this week.
Alberta Health Services sent out a release on March 4 stating that there will be two periods without on-site physician coverage in the Barrhead ED.
The first period with no coverage will run from 7 p.m. on Sunday, March 6 to 8 a.m. on Monday, March 7.
The second period without coverage will run from 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 9 to 8 a.m. on Friday, March 11.
“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 these periods, nursing staff remain in the emergency department to perform triage and referrals for patients to other hospitals in neighbouring communities.
Otherwise, patients are asked to call 9-1-1 if they have a medical emergency. EMS (Emergency Medical Services) will be re-routed to either the Westlock Healthcare Centre or the Whitecourt Healthcare Centre.
Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the ED in Barrhead may also be made aware of services available through local pharmacies.
And as always, non-emergency medical calls can be made to Health Link at 8-1-1, which is available 24/7.
More doctors coming
Shelly Pusch, who serves on the Barrhead Attraction & Retention Committee, confirmed last week that a new female physician will start practicing in Barrhead at the end of month.
Pusch said another physician will join the community a little later, as he is completing some final steps with his specialist assessment.
More details about both physicians will be forthcoming in future issues of the Town & Country This Week.
Pusch said the committee was very glad to see new physicians coming into the community, noting that Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been very helpful and supportive in their efforts.
Town of Barrhead mayor Dave McKenzie also reported to council on Feb. 22 that he had the opportunity to show two other prospective doctors around the community.
One is a mother with elementary school-aged children who is currently practicing in Calgary, while the other is a single man practicing in Edmonton.
“We had a very positive response from both physicians,” McKenzie said, adding that both doctors were investigating potential communities in which to relocate.
