Albertans encouraged to know their healthcare options

BROOKS – Fall and winter are traditionally busy times of year for healthcare services, with the potential for high demand in emergency departments and hospitals across Alberta.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is always working to manage the capacity in emergency departments to ensure efficient, high-quality care.

If you have a medical emergency, or come to an emergency department, you will always receive care. But sometimes many people visit an emergency department because they don’t know where else to go for care.

AHS wants Albertans to get the right care in the right place. There are many options to receive the care you need. Make sure you know all the care options available and choose the one that suits you and your family.

Some of your care options include:

• A family doctor
• A community physician
• Calling Health Link at 811
• A walk-in clinic
• A pharmacy

In many instances, self-care can also help you cope with non-severe symptoms of seasonal illness. If you’re unsure, call Health Link at 811 or visit a family doctor, pharmacist or community physician. AHS also has information that can help parents and caregivers know when to seek medical attention and when they can provide care at home to sick or injured children. This information is available at ahs.ca/heal.

Get to know your options. Visit ahs.ca/options, which offers information in Arabic, French, Vietnamese, simplified Chinese, traditional Chinese, Punjabi and Spanish.

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.