June 11, 2024
SMOKY LAKE — Physician coverage has been found for the emergency department (ED) at the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre during the day, from 8 a.m. – 7 p.m., between June 12 – June 14.
The emergency department will have a physician available on site to area residents in need of urgent care during this time.
The previous Public Service Announcement issued May 31 stated that the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre would be temporarily without on-site physician coverage during this time, but this is now being rescinded.
Beginning tomorrow, June 12, there will be no physician on site in the emergency department (ED) at the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre overnight the following times:
Nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities, as needed.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EMS will remain available to the community and will work with the local healthcare centre to ensure residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need.
Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.
If coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled. 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.
We are grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for its 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.
