Upcoming virtual physician and temporary closure dates for the Coronation Emergency Department

The VEP program uses an experienced Alberta physician with emergency medicine experience to remotely support facilities temporarily without available on-site ED physician support. 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 is temporarily in place in Two Hills and Coronation, as well as several northern Alberta communities.

This month, the Coronation ED will be without onsite physician coverage. VEP coverage may be available (see VEP coverage below):

• 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 1 to 8 a.m. on Monday, January 5
• 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 7
• 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 8 to 5 p.m. on Friday, January 9
• 12 noon to 5 p.m. on Friday, January 16
• 8 a.m. on Tuesday, January 20 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, January 21
• 8 a.m. on Thursday, January 22 to 8 a.m. on Friday, January 23

The site will be without onsite physician coverage and with VEP coverage:

• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 1, New Years Day
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 2
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturday, January 3
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sunday, January 4
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 6
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 8
• 12 noon. to 5 p.m. on Friday, January 16
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, January 20
• 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, January 22

Recruitment efforts continue for additional physicians to support the community and surrounding area.

When the ED is without on-site physician coverage, nursing staff will remain in the department to support any patients presenting to the site. Staff will assess patients and provide care where appropriate. Depending on their condition, patients may be referred to other facilities in surrounding communities, including the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor, the Hanna Health Centre and the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre. EMS will be available to transport patients if required.

Other services at the site are not impacted.

If locum coverage is secured for any of the identified gaps, ED service will be restored, and the community will be notified.

Alberta Health Services is grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centers and medical staff 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.