October 8, 2025
CORONATION — Alberta Health Services (AHS) is opening a temporary project to improve support for emergency department (ED) patients in two central Alberta rural communities.
The new Virtual Emergency Physician (VEP) program will use an experienced Alberta physician to remotely support EDs that are temporarily without on-site ED physician support. When available, site clinical staff can connect with an AHS physician by telephone or videoconference for ED patients with non-life threatening issues. This off-site virtual physician can collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients.
The VEP program launched in northern Alberta at five sites in January 2025, serving 1,153 patients in the first six months. The program now operates at seven sites:
Similar models are also used in B.C. and Saskatchewan. The approach has proven to be reliable and effective in ensuring patients with non-life-threatening conditions receive the support they need when they need it. EMS remains available to transfer patients to a facility with in-person ED physician support, as needed.
“Generally, many of our emergency department service disruptions occur overnight when the number of patients is lower, and the injuries or illnesses are not as acute and can be easily handled with on-site nursing care and a virtual physician,” says Dr. Jaco Hoffman, Medical Director for AHS Central Zone.
“If patients have life-threatening issues, we have plans in place to get them the care they need through the support of EMS and surrounding facilities.”
AHS continues to actively recruit physicians to supply in-person emergency department support. This initiative will not impact those continued efforts in the pilot communities. On-site physician coverage remains AHS’ priority.
This service model is being temporarily implemented at the Two Hills Health Centre and the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre.
The Virtual Emergency Physician program will open at these sites on October 9. Though training and resources will be in place for October 9, the date of the first Virtual Emergency Physician shift at each facility will be determined by need and availability. If there is a service disruption and there is no emergency physician on-site, it will be noted in the communications if a virtual emergency physician may be available.
AHS’ Medical Affairs team is currently recruiting Alberta ED physicians to work as virtual physicians for the sites, as needed.
Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than five 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.
