Media Statement: Rotary Flames House

With respiratory viruses surging in the community, Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH) is experiencing sustained high volumes of acutely ill patients requiring care in our Emergency Department, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Inpatient Units. To help ensure the right care is available to the young patients that require inpatient care and support, we have made the difficult decision to temporarily pause respite admissions at Rotary Flames House (RFH) and redeploy our staff to assist in supporting patients at the hospital.

We will be working with all families currently using respite services over the coming days, with the goal of having all clients discharged from RFH respite care by Tuesday, Dec 6^th. All other services provided at the RFH, palliative, end of life care will continue and will be temporarily relocated to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.  Grief support will also continue.

We understand this temporary pause in respite services may be concerning and difficult for our clients and families. We will do our best to resume this important service as soon as possible. These are extraordinary times, and we thank Albertans in advance for their support and understanding.