September 18, 2022
Initial gap in physician coverage beginning Sunday evening has been reduced
PONOKA — The Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED) will be temporarily without onsite physician coverage from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, September 19 due to a gap in coverage.
Initially the ED was to be closed overnight as of 9 p.m. on Sunday, September 18 until Monday evening; however, ongoing efforts to secure alternative physician coverage have helped shorten the duration of the temporary closure.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is grateful to our local physicians who have taken on additional hours and shifts to support the ED. Efforts to further reduce the length of the temporary closure continue at this time.
During the closure on Monday, patients presenting to the ED will be assessed by nursing staff and referred to alternate facilities in surrounding communities as appropriate depending on their needs. EMS calls will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, including the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre, Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre, and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.
Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.
AHS is 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.
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.
