Pediatric emergency care beds centralized within Calgary Zone during COVID-19 response

CALGARY – As Alberta Health Services (AHS) proactively plans for the anticipated surge in demand for acute care and emergency department (ED) spaces, AHS is converting the nine beds currently reserved for pediatric ED patients at South Health Campus (SHC) into adult ED spaces, effective immediately.

Dedicated pediatric ED beds and pediatrician-provided emergency services for any child under 18 years of age will now be offered at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) only.

Please note that all emergency departments in the Calgary Zone continue to accept both adult and pediatric patients. This change reduces the number of ED beds specifically allotted for pediatric patients, where children are provided care exclusively through a pediatrician. This change is only temporary and pediatric ED services will resume at SHC when the COVID-19 pandemic ends.

Families with pediatric family members requiring non-emergency medical care continue to be encouraged to call their family physician. To speak to a nurse and receive telephone advice and health information, families can also contact Health Link 24/7, by dialing 811.

All patients with potentially life-threatening conditions should immediately phone 911.

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. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.