UPDATE: AHS has confirmed that clinical personnel coverage has been secured, so the emergency department at the Fort Macleod Health Centre has reopened, as of 3:08 p.m. on Thursday, September 18.
BACKGROUND
Due to an unexpected clinical personnel shortage and inability to secure coverage, the Fort Macleod Health Centre Emergency Department will be temporarily closed today until 7 p.m., when it will reopen to provide 24-hour service.
During the temporary closure, nursing staff will remain on-site to provide care for long-term care residents.
Alberta Health Services is working to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time.
Patients are asked to call 9-1-1 if they have a medical emergency.
EMS calls will be rerouted to Chinook Regional Hospital. Patients seeking care can access emergency services at Chinook Regional Hospital, the Pincher Creek Health Centre, the Cardston Health Centre or the Claresholm Community Health Centre.
Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 8-1-1, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.
