Upcoming service disruption dates and Virtual Emergency Physician coverage for the Coronation Emergency Department

CORONATION — In the month of September, the emergency department (ED) at Coronation Hospital and Care Centre will be temporarily without physician coverage on the dates listed below. 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. Nursing staff can connect with an AHS physician by telephone or videoconference for ED patients with non-life-threatening issues. The virtual physician can collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients.

Please note that the following dates and times are subject to change. If you have questions, please contact the hospital site at 403-578-3803 for information.

The Coronation ED will be without onsite physician coverage and with VEP coverage on the following dates:

• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 4
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 11

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.