April 3, 2025
PONOKA – Due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage and inability to secure temporary coverage, the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED) will be temporarily closed from 10 p.m. on Thursday, April 3, to 8 a.m. on Friday, April 4.
During times when the ED is closed, nursing staff remain on site in the emergency department, providing assistance in redirecting/referring patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities, or other appropriate levels of service, as needed.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency during these times. EMS will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding facilities.
Other services at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre are not impacted by this temporary closure. In the event physician coverage is secured for an identified gap, ED service will be restored and the community will be notified.
Alberta Health Services (AHS) is grateful for the support of staff and physicians who have helped minimize this temporary disruption as much as possible. Additionally, AHS appreciates the support of surrounding healthcare centres, and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.
Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare 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.
