OR services temporarily paused at Westlock healthcare centre

December 24, 2021

WESTLOCK — The Westlock Healthcare Centre will temporarily suspend operating room (OR) services the following days and times, due to lack of available trained physicians and an inability to secure locum coverage:

The health centre’s Emergency Department will remain open.

During this time, patients requiring C-sections, and emergency and urgent surgeries will be assessed on-site and transferred by EMS to another site for their surgery.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working to ensure all patients have the support they need. This includes working closely with surrounding sites to offer additional support to Westlock patients, as needed, including the Sturgeon Community Hospital in St. Albert (68 km away), Royal Alexandra Hospital (90km), and Slave Lake Healthcare Centre (164 km).

Patient safety is of utmost importance and AHS apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. AHS is grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff, and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time.

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.