Oyen Emergency Department and Acute Care admissions to temporarily close

OYEN – Due to an unexpected clinical personnel shortage and inability to secure coverage, the Oyen Big Country Hospital Emergency Department (ED) will be temporarily closed beginning Friday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. The ED will re-open Monday, Aug. 24 at 7 a.m. to provide 24-hour service.

During this time, nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities, as needed.

The site will temporarily stop acute care admissions beginning Friday, Aug. 21 at 5 p.m. Admissions will reopen on Monday, Aug. 24 at 7 a.m. Acute care patients already admitted to the hospital prior to the temporary closure will continue to receive care during this time.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency during these times. Emergency Health Services will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, including the Hannah Health Centre (113 km); Coronation Health Centre (135 km); Provost Health Centre (140 km); Brooks Health Centre (187 km); or Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (196 km).

Community members are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions. Depending on their needs, patients may also be aware of services available through local pharmacies.

AHS continues to work to find clinical personnel coverage for this time period. If coverage is found, this disruption will be cancelled.

This is a temporary measure, and AHS is working hard to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time.

We are grateful 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.

Residents with concerns can provide feedback through our Patient Relations team. For more information, call 1-855-550-2555.

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, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.