SMOKY LAKE - The Smoky Lake hospital will be without physician availability in its ER department for a 24-hour period this week.
"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 24 hours September 7 at 8 a.m. – September 8 at a.m," Alberta Health Services stated in a media release Sept. 6.
"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 asked 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."
AHS is asking residents 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. 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.
"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."
