May 22, 2024
Weekday evening and weekend care options returning to community
PICTURE BUTTE — A new ambulatory clinic operated by Alberta Health Services (AHS) is scheduled to open at the Piyami Health Centre on May 27.
The clinic will be open weekdays from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., and weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The non-urgent walk-in clinic offers care to people who need to see a doctor but don’t need to be seen in the emergency department.
“I am very pleased for the residents of Picture Butte, who now have more options to access healthcare in their community when they need it,” says Joseph Schow, Cardston-Siksika MLA, Minister of Tourism and Sport. “Thank you to AHS and our local teams for continuing to be responsive to local, rural healthcare needs.”
AHS has recruited physicians who will offer a rotation of service to support the clinic, creating a sustainable after-hours healthcare model. A licensed practical nurse will also provide care.
“The new, AHS-run clinic will provide improved access to care outside of regular family physician clinic hours for Picture Butte and area residents,” says Aaron Low, Medical Director for AHS South Zone. “We’re grateful to the physicians who have signed on to support the clinic and discover the benefits of serving rural communities.”
“We’re happy that AHS followed through on their commitment for an after-hours clinic,” says Picture Butte Mayor Cathy Moore. “They continued to keep us updated on the progress and we knew they were dedicated to open this clinic in our community.”
The Piyami Health Centre continues to be home to many other healthcare services, including laboratory and diagnostic imaging, seniors housing, supportive living, home care, allied health, public health and a private family physician clinic.
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.
