Advanced Ambulatory Care Service celebrates one year

Project proceeding on time and on budget at Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre

SYLVAN LAKE — More than 15,000 visits have been made to the local Advanced Ambulatory Care Service (AACS) since its launch nearly one year ago, improving access to treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions.

Located at the Sylvan Lake Community Heath Centre, AACS began operating June 4, 2018, improving the scope of services offered in the community and expanding access to medical care during and after regular physician clinic hours.

“It’s incredible to look back on all that’s been accomplished in the last year,” says Carmen Petersen, Director of Emergency Services and Inpatient Medicine at Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, who also has oversight of AACS.

“We are very grateful for Alberta Health Services’ collaboration with Alberta Health, local physicians and valued community partners to ensure residents have access to the primary care and ambulatory care services they require.”

Open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 10 p.m., the service provides diagnosis and treatment of sudden illness or injury that normally could be cared for in a doctor’s office but cannot wait for a scheduled visit.

“We are here for injuries like minor cuts or burns, muscle and joint sprains, and bone fractures,” says Petersen. “Illnesses such as fever in young children, vomiting, dehydration or minor allergic reactions are also great examples of when to use AACS.”

Anyone experiencing life-threatening injury or illness should call 911.

The care and treatment, as well as supporting lab and diagnostic imaging services, offered by AACS offer residents and visitors comprehensive care without having to travel to an emergency department. Much of the medical equipment necessary to support this advanced level of healthcare service has been made possible through the Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee, which has donated more than $238,000.

“Over the past year I have heard many positive stories from patients who have used the Advanced Ambulatory Care Service,” says Susan Samson, Chair of the Sylvan Lake and Area Urgent Care Committee.

“Those patients were enthusiastic about the quality, efficiency, and ease of access to this very important service. Without the support of our neighbouring partner communities, our doctors, our donors and Alberta Health Services, we could not have had this medical service. AACS is vital to the continued well-being of area residents and visitors and I know it will continue to be well used.”

Work to establish AACS in the community began three years ago from efforts of a joint task force. AHS worked with local and area residents to explore ways to enhance healthcare services in Sylvan Lake.

“To celebrate the one-year anniversary of AACS is to also celebrate the tremendous community effort that contributed to making the service a reality,” says Sylvan Lake mayor Sean McIntyre.

“Sylvan Lake and area is incredibly fortunate to have so many engaged individuals and organizations that are committed to the health of our community. We celebrate a very successful one-year anniversary of service, while knowing that Sylvan Lake and area residents continue to benefit from the enhanced services AACS provides.”

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.