UPDATE: 3:15 p.m., June 10, 2024.
Following further success in securing alternative coverage to address a gap in physician coverage, the Drayton Valley Hospital and Care Centre Emergency Department (ED) will now remain open and fully operational throughout the day on Tuesday, June 11.
That according to Alberta Health Services (AHS) which says while the ED will be temporarily closed Monday night beginning at midnight, a previous gap in physician coverage has been filled on Tuesday from 9 a.m. until 7:30 p.m. With current coverage, AHS says the ED will close at that time and reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, June 12.
The organization says nursing staff will remain on-site in the ED during the temporary closure Tuesday night to assess any patients who may present to the site, and to redirect them to alternate care options depending on their needs. AHS says EMS will be available to transport patients to alternative facilities as needed, including to the Devon General Hospital, Rocky Mountain House Health Centre, Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Leduc Community Hospital, and Westview Health Centre in Stony Plain.
All other services at the site will continue to operate as normal during the ED closure, says AHS.
While the ED is temporarily closed, patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency health-related questions.
When gaps in physician coverage are identified, AHS says it has processes in place to seek alternative coverage to avoid disruptions to services. AHS further notes, it is grateful for the support of local and locum physicians, as well as their hospital staff who are working to help to minimize this disruption for the community.
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Officials with Alberta Health Services (AHS) say due to a lack of available coverage, there will be no physician on-site in the Emergency Department of the Drayton Valley Hospital and Healthcare Centre from midnight on Monday, June 10, until 8:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 12, when officials say they believe the Emergency Department should resume regular operations.
AHS says all other services on site will continue to operate as normal during this gap in coverage and nursing staff will also remain on site to assess patients and re-direct them to alternative care options as required. Staff with EMS say they will be available to transfer patients to other facilities including:
- Devon General Hospital.
- Rocky Mountain House Health Centre.
- Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre.
- Leduc Community Hospital.
- Westview Health Centre in Stony Plain.
Officials say during this time residents can still dial 911 in the event of an emergency and are reminding everyone that Healthlink is available for non-emergencies 24/7 by dialing 811.
AHS is thanking the public for their cooperation during this time and is apologizing for any inconvenience this gap in coverage may cause.
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