ELK POINT — For the second time this week AHS has announced what it describes as "temporary disruptions"' at the Elk Point Healthcare Centre's emergency department due to no physician being available to cover the ER.
The latest announcement states the facility will be "temporarily without on-site physician coverage" from 8 a.m. on June 3 through to 8 a.m. on June 6.
Additionally, "the emergency department will also continue to be without physician coverage each week from 8 a.m. Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday due to a lack of physician availability. Nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department during these times, providing triage, assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities, as needed."
AHS stated that 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."
