SMOKY LAKE — Due to the inability to secure physician coverage, the George McDougall - Smoky Lake Healthcare Centre emergency department will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage for periods of time this week.
The service disruptions began Monday at 7 p.m., until 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 12. Another disruption is expected Tuesday night at 7 p.m. until 8 a.m. on Wednesday. A third date of Wednesday at 7 p.m. to Thursday morning is also expected, and a fourth date from Thursday at 7 p.m. until Friday morning at 8 a.m. was also listed by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
According to AHS, "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."
Patients are reminded to call 911 if they have a medical emergency.
"EMS will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding healthcare centres," according to AHS.
Residents are also reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.
If coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled.
