ELK POINT - The Emergency Department (ED) at the Elk Point Healthcare Centre continues to be closed overnight from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. due to a lack of nursing staff.
Last week, Alberta Health Services released an update on the situation. In January, the provincial health authority said ED hours would be reduced until Feb. 20, but that date has been extended.
"Alberta Health Services (AHS) is extending the temporary reduction in hours at the Elk Point Healthcare Centre emergency department. This is due to a lack of nursing staff and an inability to secure temporary coverage," according to AHS.
The Elk Point emergency department will continue to be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and closed overnight, from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. The reduction in hours allows staff to provide consistent care each day, when the ED is busiest.
"Residents are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EMS remains available to the community," according to AHS.
AHS says it is "working hard to ensure everyone receives the care they need through its partnership with EMS and a supportive regional network of healthcare centres. The emergency department may reopen sooner if coverage can be found."
