Temporary closure at Hardisty emergency department

HARDISTY — Due a gap in physician coverage, the Hardisty Health Centre Emergency Department (ED) will be temporarily closed from 7 a.m., Wednesday, Dec. 24 to 7 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 30.

Nursing staff will remain in the ED 24/7 to assess any patients who present to the site. They will provide first aid when needed and refer patients to alternate care facilities in surrounding communities. EMS will be available to transport patients if required.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency, health-related questions. Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care are also encouraged to call their family physician.

Other services at the Hardisty Health Centre are not impacted by this temporary closure. If coverage is secured, ED service will be restored and the community will be notified. Alberta Health Services (AHS) is actively recruiting for this facility.

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 acute care services for more than five million Albertans at hospitals, urgent care centres and health centres across the province. Our mission is to provide excellent and accessible patient-focused healthcare for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, increasing access to surgeries and improving patient flow.