Temporary closure at Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre emergency department

PONOKA — Due to an unexpected clinical personnel shortage and inability to secure coverage, the emergency department (ED) at the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre will be temporarily closed, Sunday, Oct. 11 until 5 p.m.

During these temporary closures, nursing staff will remain onsite in the ED to assist any patients who present to the site. They will provide first aid where needed and refer patients to alternate care facilities in surrounding communities as needed. Emergency Health Services (EHS) will be available to transport patients if required.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EHS will remain available to the community and will transport patients as required to facilities including Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre, Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, and the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time.

Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions. Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care are also encouraged to call their family physician.

AHS 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.