AHS Update: Medicine Hat field hospital to close as waters recede; focus on safe return home for evacuees

June 24, 2013

MEDICINE HAT — Alberta Health Services (AHS) will close a field hospital today at 6 p.m. as efforts in many parts of the province move towards recovery and helping Albertans stay safe and healthy as they return to their flood-damaged homes.

The temporary site was put in place to maintain health services in north Medicine Hat in the event all bridges across the South Saskatchewan River were closed. With the water receding, the bridges are open. AHS will consolidate resources once again at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (MHRH).

“The field hospital has served its purpose,” said Minister of Health Fred Horne. “It was put in place quickly and effectively to ensure that anyone requiring urgent care on the north side of the city had a place to go. With the flood risk diminishing in Medicine Hat, it’s a good time to relocate back to the hospital.”

Dr. Paul Parks, Chief of Emergency Department at the MHRH, said this is an excellent example of what health care can do even when hospitals are at capacity.

“I’m super proud and impressed with the team,” said Dr. Parks. “If the bridges had gone down, we expected 20,000 people would not have access to the hospital – we were ready.”

Residents preparing to re-enter homes following evacuation in communities across southern Alberta are reminded that flood-damaged areas can pose a number of significant risks to health.

It’s very important you take steps to protect your safety and health.

To protect yourself:

Bottom line: If in doubt, throw it out.

Learn more about re-entering your home safely at albertahealthservices.ca

Calgary Zone

Banff Mineral Springs Hospital:

Canmore General Hospital:

Canmore Cancer Centre:

Central Zone

Drumheller Health Centre:

Sundre Hospital & Care Centre:

Provincewide

The Alberta Health Services website is updated frequently with important health information during these local states of emergency and will continue to be updated though the recovery phase. Visit www.albertahealthservices.ca.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than 3.9 million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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