SMOKY LAKE - Temporary disruptions are expected at the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre emergency department from April 30 to May 10.
"Due to the inability to secure physician coverage, the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre emergency department will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage overnight," for a period of time leading into May, according to information from Alberta Health Services.
Dates where service may be affected include:
- 7 p.m., Monday, April 29 – 8 a.m., Tuesday, April 30
- 7 p.m., Tuesday, April 30 – 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 1
- 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 1 – 8 a.m., Thursday, May 2
- 7 p.m., Thursday, May 2 – 8 a.m., Friday, May 3
- 7 p.m., Monday, May 6 – 8 a.m., Tuesday, May 7
- 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 7 – 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 8
- 7 p.m., Wednesday, May 8 – 8 a.m., Thursday, May 9
- 7 p.m., Thursday, May 9 – 8 a.m., Friday, May 10
"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," according to AHS.
Residents should still call 911 if they have a medical emergency and EMS will remain available to the community and will work with the local healthcare centre to ensure residents have access to emergency services.
Residents can also 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," according to AHS.
