UPDATE — Upcoming virtual physician & service disruption dates for the Coronation emergency department

February 12, 2026

CORONATION — Throughout February, the emergency department (ED) at Coronation Hospital and Care Centre will be temporarily without physician coverage on several dates and will have coverage from a Virtual Emergency Physician (VEP) during some of those times.

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 on the following dates. Physician coverage through the VEP program may be available (see VEP coverage details):

The site will have VEP coverage on the following dates and times when no onsite physician is available:

At all times, 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, including the Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital in Castor, the Hanna Health Centre and the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre. Emergency Health Services (EHS) will be available to transport patients if required.

Other services at the site are not impacted by gaps in onsite physician coverage.

If locum coverage is secured for any of the identified gaps, ED service will be restored, and the community will be notified. Recruitment efforts continue for additional physicians to support the community and surrounding area.

Alberta Health Services is thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare center 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.