Upcoming service disruption and Virtual Emergency Physician coverage at the Coronation Emergency Department

July 20, 2026

CORONATION — The Coronation Hospital and Care Centre’s emergency department (ED) will temporarily be without physician coverage during the dates listed below. During this disruption, the hospital will have coverage from a Virtual Emergency Physician (VEP).

Please note these dates and times are subject to change. If locum coverage is secured for any of the identified gaps, ED service will be restored. Contact the hospital at 403-578-3803 if you have questions.

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.

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.

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

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.