LAC LA BICHE - The emergency department at the William J. Cadzow - Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre is expected to be without onsite physician coverage for several dates in August.
The dates include:
- 4 p.m., Friday, August 15, 2025 – 8 a.m., Saturday, August 16, 2025
- 4 p.m., Tuesday, August 19, 2025 – 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 20, 2025
- 4 p.m., Monday, August 25, 2025 – 8 a.m., Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- 4 p.m., Monday, August 26, 2025 – 8 a.m., Tuesday, August 27, 2025
- 4 p.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025 – 8 a.m., Friday, August 29, 2025
- 4 p.m., Monday, August 29, 2025 – 8 a.m., Tuesday, August 30, 2025
According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), "during this time, nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities, as needed."
Patients are told to call 911 if they have a medical emergency.
"EMS will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, as needed," according to information from AHS, dated Aug. 13.
Virtual Emergency Physician coverage might be available for all or some of the dates.
"The Virtual Emergency Physician program uses an experienced rural/northern emergency department (ED) physician to remotely support facilities temporarily without available on-site ED physician support. Site clinical staff can connect with an AHS physician by telephone or videoconference for ED patients with non-life-threatening issues," according to AHS.
The virtual physician can "collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients." The virtual physician program is being piloted in five Alberta communities, including Beaverlodge, Elk Point, Hinton, and Lac La Biche and Edson.
"Community members are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions. Depending on their needs, patients may also be aware of services available through local pharmacies," according to AHS.
The disruptions are temporary, and AHS says it is working "to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time."
Residents with concerns can provide feedback through the AHS Patient Relations team. For more information, call 1-855-550-2555.
