WESTLOCK COUNTY - The Westlock Healthcare Centre emergency department will be without onsite physician coverage due to a clinical personnel shortage.
This shortage will only be active during the following times:
- Tuesday, Aug. 12 at 5 p.m. to Wednesday, Aug 13. at 8 a.m.
- Saturday, Aug. 16 at 8 p.m. to Sunday, Aug 17. at 8 a.m.
Nursing staff will still be available in the emergency department to provide triage, assessments and referrals for patients who may need to visit the emergency departments in neighbouring communities.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) encourages patients to call 911 if they are having a medical emergency during those times, as EMS will still be available to the community and be rerouted to surrounding facilities. For any non-emergency health-related questions, Health Link can be contacted at 811.
During those times, a Virtual Emergency Physician will be available for all or part of the time. This is a new program being piloted in Beaverlodge, Barrhead, Edson, Hinton, Lac La Biche, Redwater and Westlock. An experienced ED physician is available to support facilities temporarily from a remote location. Each site can connect with AHS physicians by telephone or video conference for any non-life-threatening injuries. These physicians will be able to speak with staff and patients, order tests and medications and transfer or discharge patients.
AHS will continue to look for clinical personnel coverage during this time. If coverage is found, the advisory will be cancelled.
Residents can call 1-855-550-2555 to provide feedback or get more information.
