January 25, 2016
HARDISTY – Due to a lack of physician coverage, the emergency department (ED) at the Hardisty Health Centre will be temporarily reducing its hours of operation next month.
From February 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016, the ED will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays; and 24-hours on weekends, beginning at 5 p.m. on Fridays.
Patients arriving at the ED during closed hours will be redirected to other care options as appropriate. EMS is prepared to transport patients to other nearby facilities if required. Those not requiring emergency care will be directed to contact a physician’s clinic to book an appointment.
During this time, the acute care beds at the site will also be temporarily closed. Any patients requiring admission will be accommodated at other nearby facilities. The beds will be utilized to support other services, including Respite care, which do not require immediate access to a physician.
The reduction in hours will not impact long-term care residents at the facility, who will continue to receive care throughout the reduction in hours of the emergency department. Other services offered at the site, including Diagnostic Imaging and Laboratory Services, also remain open.
Physician recruitment efforts are ongoing by Alberta Health Services and the Flagstaff Recruitment and Retention Committee to bring additional physicians to the community.
Residents needing assistance locating a service or nearby facility can contact Health Link at 811 for a list of other available clinics or for additional health information. Health Link is a 24-hour a day, 7 day a week telephone advice and health information service where highly trained registered nurses will provide you with advice and information.
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. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
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For media inquiries, contact:
Heather Kipling
AHS Communications
403-341-8687
