The emergency department at the Fort Macleod Health Centre is temporarily closed.
Alberta Health Services says because of an “unexpected clinical personnel shortage” and the “inability to secure coverage”, the department is closed Monday until 7 p.m., when it is set to reopen for 24-hour service.
Officials note that during the temporary closure, nursing staff will stay on-site to care for long-term care residents.
Patients are asked to call 911 for medical emergencies, and EMS calls will be rerouted to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. Individuals 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 can also call Health Link at 811, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for non-emergency health-related questions. Those needing non-emergency medical care can also call their family physician.
