Due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage and inability to secure temporary coverage, the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED) will be temporarily closed from midnight to 8 a.m. Saturday, March 22.
During times when the ED is closed, nursing staff will remain on site in the emergency department, providing assistance in redirecting/referring patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities, or other appropriate levels of service, as needed, according to a release.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency during these times. EMS will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding facilities.
Other services at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre are not impacted by this temporary closure. In the event that physician coverage is secured for any of the identified gaps, ED service will be restored, and the community will be notified.
AHS is grateful for the support of staff and physicians who have helped minimize this temporary disruption as much as possible, added the release.
"Additionally, AHS appreciates the support of surrounding healthcare centres and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time."
