Airdrie Urgent Care open 24/7 starting next week

CALGARY – Airdrie Urgent Care will deliver healthcare services 24 hours a day, seven days a week, starting April 3.

“We’ve listened to the community about their healthcare needs and have come up with a solution that meets these needs,” says Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health. “The citizens of Airdrie and area will now have access to 24-7 urgent care. It’s a testament to how we can make life better for Albertans when we work together, so I thank everyone who has helped make this a reality for Airdrie.”

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has been working with the local community, Alberta Health, the City of Airdrie, the Highland Primary Care Network and the Airdrie Health Foundation to improve access to health services in the community.

“This is exciting for us and for everyone who had a hand in bringing 24-hour healthcare services to this community,” says Dr. Ted Braun, AHS Vice President and Medical Director, Central and Southern Alberta. “This is a true example of the great work that’s possible when we work together with the people in the communities we serve.”

Last year, AHS expanded the number of urgent care treatment spaces from nine to 13 to address growing demand. More than 30,500 patients were seen at Airdrie Urgent Care in 2015-16, up eight per cent from five years prior.

“We’ve had a great team working hard to create an innovative model for providing safe, quality 24-hour care in Airdrie,” says Dr. Elaine Desnoyers, Medical Director of Airdrie Urgent Care.

“This includes advanced training for staff and physicians, the addition of a paramedic to the overnight team who can assist with more complex procedures and help stabilize sicker patients who require transfer to a hospital in Calgary, and increased access to mental health resources.”

Airdrie Urgent Care provides services for unexpected but non-life-threatening health concerns that require same-day treatment.

Patients coming to urgent care may arrive on their own or be transported by ambulance. Common conditions treated in an urgent care centre include: broken bones, sprains, cuts, asthma, dehydration, pain and infections.

Patients with life-threatening conditions continue to be treated in emergency departments within Calgary and area.

AHS will continue to work with the surrounding communities, Airdrie Health Foundation, City of Airdrie, Highland Primary Care Network and other partners to explore further opportunities for improving and enhancing health services in Airdrie.

Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.

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