UPDATE:
Physician coverage has been found for the Emergency Department at the George McDougall Healthcare Centre in Smoky Lake this weekend, according to a media release from Alberta Health Services.
"The Emergency Department will remain open and available to area residents in need of urgent care," reads the release, dated July 29.
A previous Public Service Announcement issued on July 28 has now been rescinded by AHS.
Original Story below
SMOKY LAKE - The emergency department at the George McDougall Healthcare Centre in Smoky Lake will be without physician coverage over the August long weekend.
According to information released on July 28 by Alberta Health Services, there will be a service disruption from from noon on Friday, July 29 until 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 2.
"AHS is working to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time," says AHS.
Nursing staff will be on-site in the emergency department "providing triage and assessments and referring patients to healthcare facilities in surrounding communities as needed." Patients who require urgent emergency medical care are asked to call 911.
"EMS calls will be re-routed to other available healthcare sites to ensure local residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need," says AHS.
Surrounding facilities include the Redwater Health Centre, which is 56km away, the St. Therese-St Paul Healthcare Centre, which is 93km away, or the William J. Cadzow – Lac La Biche Healthcare Centre, which is 101km away from Smoky Lake.
"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," says AHS.
AHS says that depending on patient needs, some services may be available through local pharmacies. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.
Recruiting staff
"AHS continues to aggressively recruit healthcare professionals for rural areas. AHS has several initiatives underway to help support recruitment efforts including northern incentive programs as well as working closely with practicing professionals and the community. The Alberta Rural Health Professions Action Plan is also in place, aiming to improve rural medical services for communities, support rural practitioners and recruit new talent."
Job postings, including those for Smoky Lake and other communities in the region, can be accessed online through Alberta Health Services Careers ‐ Jobs.
