September 8, 2022
Emergency department resumes normal 24/7 operation September 9
STETTLER – The Emergency Department (ED) at the Stettler Hospital and Care Centre will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage until 4 p.m. today due to an unexpected gap in coverage.
The ED will reopen at 4 p.m. but will also briefly close between 6 a.m. and 8 a.m. September 9, after which normal hours of operation will resume. Efforts to secure alternative locum coverage continue in order to minimize disruptions as much as possible.
AHS is working to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time. Nursing staff will remain on-site in the ED providing triage and assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate EDs in surrounding communities as needed.
Other services at the site are not impacted. On-call physician coverage will be available to support currently admitted inpatients and long-term care residents if needed.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency instead of presenting to the ED. During this time, EMS will transport patients requiring emergency care to nearby facilities, including Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre, Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre or the Drumheller Health Centre depending on their condition.
Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency, health-related questions.
AHS is grateful for the support of staff and physicians who have helped minimize this temporary disruption as much as possible. Additionally, AHS appreciates the support of surrounding healthcare centres and would like to thank the community for its 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.
