October 6, 2023
VIKING – Due to gaps in physician coverage, the Emergency Department (ED) at the Viking Health Centre will be temporarily closed from 7 a.m. on Sunday, October 8 until 5 p.m. on Monday, October 9.
This closure is a temporary measure due to a gap in locum physician coverage. AHS appreciates the willingness of local physicians to adjust their schedules to minimize the closure as much as possible for the community. If additional coverage is secured and the ED is able to remain open, the community will be notified.
Nursing staff will remain in the ED during the closure to assess any patients who present to the ED. They will provide first aid where needed and refer patients to alternate care facilities in surrounding communities, including the Daysland Health Centre, Tofield Health Centre, Wainwright Health Centre or St. Mary’s Hospital in Camrose as needed.
EMS will be available to transport patients to other facilities depending on their condition.
All other services at the site will continue to operate as normal throughout the temporary closure. Inpatient units are not affected, and patients will continue to receive the care and support they need.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions. Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care are also encouraged to call their family physician.
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.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
