October 7, 2022
Efforts to resolve staffing challenges continue; reopening anticipated in November
CONSORT – The Consort Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED) remains temporarily closed due to sustained and significant shortages among nursing staff. It is anticipated this closure will remain in place until early November now as efforts by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to stabilize staffing continue.
Extending this temporary closure is not ideal; it is however necessary to ensure long-term care residents can remain at the site with appropriate staffing to meet their needs. There are currently not enough RNs available to staff both the ED and LTC as both care settings require onsite RN supports.
By extending the temporary closure of the ED, AHS is able to concentrate available staffing resources to the LTC unit.
Aggressive recruitment efforts continue to secure new staff. Support from agency nurses also continues to be utilized to support the site and care teams. AHS is closely monitoring the situation and regularly assessing the ability to resume services with the intent to reopen before November if staffing levels stabilize.
Patients presenting to the ED during regular operating hours – 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 9 a.m. to noon on Friday – will be referred to emergency departments in surrounding communities as needed, or to the local medical clinic for follow up with a family physician depending on their needs. EMS will divert patients to facilities in Coronation, Castor or Provost as needed.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency.
Depending on their needs, patients seeking care may 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.
