Temporary disruption at Spirit River Emergency Department

January 16, 2024

SPIRIT RIVER — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is temporarily closing the Emergency Department (ED) at the Central Peace Health Complex, due to an unexpected nursing shortage and an inability to secure temporary coverage.

From 11 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16 to 7 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 17, there will be no staff available in the Central Peace Health Complex ED. Nurses will remain on site in Acute Care. The ED may reopen sooner if coverage can be found.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. Patient safety and care remain the highest priorities for AHS. The organization is working hard to ensure everyone will receive the care they need through its partnership with EMS and a supportive regional network of healthcare centres.

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. Our mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait-times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.