Temporary Physician shortage at Elk Point Healthcare Centre emergency department

Alberta Health Services has announced that the emergency department at the Elk Point Healthcare Centre will temporarily be without an on-site physician until 5 p.m. Friday.

While there will be no doctor available during this period, nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department to provide triage, assessments, and referrals to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities, as needed. 

AHS advises patients to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. Emergency Medical Services will continue to be available and will work with the local healthcare center to ensure residents have access to necessary emergency services. For non-emergency health-related questions, residents can call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7.  

AHS stated that if coverage is found, the disruption may be canceled. This is a temporary measure, and AHS is working to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time. AHS expressed gratitude for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and thanked the community for its patience and understanding during this period.