Some physician coverage found for temporary service disruptions at Coronation Emergency Department

July 10, 2026

CORONATION - On-site physician coverage has been found for a portion of the previously announced temporary service disruption for the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED).

On-site physician coverage has been secured for the following time:

Due to a clinical personnel shortage and an inability to secure temporary coverage, the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre ED will be without onsite physician coverage from:

During these times, the hospital will have coverage from a Virtual Emergency Physician (VEP). The VEP program uses an experienced ED physician 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.

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 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, that portion of the service advisory will be cancelled.

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