For the second time in as many weeks, Alberta Health Services is advising about a service disruption in the emergency department at Lac La Biche's W J. Cadzow Hospital.
The latest disruption, due to a lack of an on-site physician in the department, will affect the overnight shifts this Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. The disruptions will last from 4 pm each day until 8 am the following morning.
Nurses on shift
"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," says AHS spokesperson Lisa Laferriere, adding EMS will remain available to the community for response and transfers. She says patients can call 9-1-1 with emergent needs.
Residents can also call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency health-related questions.
Temporary
The service disruption is a temporary measure, says Laferrier, explaining that AHS officials are working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need.
"If coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled," she said, offering thanks to residents and surrounding healthcare facilities during the latest disruption to service in Lac La Biche. "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."
The most recent announcement is the latest in a series of more and more frequent service disruptions at the local hospital.
Over the last two years, there has seen a sharp decrease in the number of physicians working in the Lac La Biche community. There are currently seven physicians serving the area. Lac La Biche County Mayor Paul Reutov recently said the community is now served by less than half of the required amount of physicians.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.
