May 5, 2023
DRAYTON VALLEY — As of approximately 2:30 p.m. May 5 Alberta Health Services (AHS) and our EMS partners have evacuated all patients and residents from the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre in response to an evacuation order issued due to the current wildfire risk. The health and safety of patients and staff remains AHS’ top priority.
Evacuations began early this morning in the community, in partnership with continuing care providers who have also evacuated residents from their facilities. Ground, air and non-ambulance transport vehicles were utilized. A total of 79 individuals in care were evacuated by AHS from the hospital.
Acute care patients and continuing care residents have been moved to locations in Central and Edmonton Zones. Some have gone with families in other communities not impacted by the wildfire risks. AHS continues to contact families of loved ones to share patient/resident location information.
Where possible, staff and physicians have accompanied patients/residents to alternative sites to ensure care continuity.
The Emergency Department at the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre is closed at this time. If you have an emergency, please call 911. EMS resources remain in the area to provide support to those who need.
All appointments with laboratory services, diagnostic imaging, mental health and public health in Drayton Valley are postponed at this time. Clients will be contacted directly by AHS to be rescheduled as soon as possible. Patients who require hemodialysis are being accommodated at other facilities, and home care clients impacted by the evacuation have been contacted to arrange for alternative home visits and support from nursing teams.
We are extremely grateful for our frontline teams, staff and physicians who have come together to support the response across AHS, and especially those whose families have been evacuated as well.
