COLD LAKE - The Cold Lake Healthcare Centre's Emergency Department (ED) will be without physician coverage overnight once again on Sunday, Dec. 4.
"Due to the inability to secure physician coverage the [ED] will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage overnight from 11 p.m. Dec 4 to 7 a.m. Dec. 5," according to Alberta Health Services (AHS).
The last Cold Lake ED closure occured overnight on Nov. 24 and lasted until the following morning.
"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. If coverage is found, this disruption may be cancelled," says the public health authority.
As in past service disruptions at the ED, nursing staff will be available to provide triage and assessments, and refer patients to other EDs in the region.
Patients are asked to call 911 if there is a medical emergency. EMS is available and will be re-routed to surrounding healthcare centres to ensure patients have access to needed emergency services.
Residents are also reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.
"We are thankful 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," says AHS.
