Temporary closures at local emergency department  

Emergency patients to be diverted to other South Zone hospitals

MILK RIVER – A number of temporary closures are still in effect for the emergency department (ED) at the Milk River Health Centre over the coming week due to physician absence.

The ED is currently closed and will begin accepting patients at 5 p.m. Friday, Jan. 1, 2021.

The ED schedule for the following week is as follows:

• Saturday, Jan. 2 – open 24 hours
• Sunday, Jan. 3 – open 24 hours
• Monday, Jan. 4 – open 24 hours
• Tuesday, Jan. 5 – closes at 8 a.m. and reopens at 8 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 7
• Thursday, Jan. 7 – open until further notice
• Friday, Jan. 8 - open 24 hours
• Saturday, Jan. 9 - open 24 hours
• Sunday, Jan. 10 - open 24 hours
• Monday, Jan. 11 - closes at 8 a.m.
• Tuesday, Jan. 12 - reopens at 8 a.m. and will stay open until further notice.

These temporary closures are the result of physician scheduling conflicts and out-of-country travel. AHS will continue to keep the community updated regarding upcoming closures.

Individuals who would normally seek emergency care at the Milk River Health Centre during these times are advised to visit the Raymond Health Centre (60 km) or Chinook Regional Hospital (87 km) in Lethbridge.

As always, all patients requiring immediate medical care should phone 911.

Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care continue to be encouraged to call their family physician. To speak to a nurse and receive telephone advice and health information, families can also contact Health Link 24/7 by dialing 811.

For more information on the COVID-19 pandemic in Alberta, visit ahs.ca/covid or alberta.ca/covid19.

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.