Rocky Mountain House Health Centre's emergency department will be closed from June 25 at 6 p.m. until June 26 at 7 a.m. due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage.
The department will close at 4 p.m. today in order for patients in the department to be seen and treated by a physician while coverage is available.
During the temporary closure, nursing staff will remain in the department to assess patients who present to the site.
Nursing staff will provide first aid and refer patients to alternate care facilities in surrounding communities, including the Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre, Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. EMS will transport patients to other sites as needed.
Anyone requiring emergency medical care during this period is asked to call 911. EMS calls will be re-routed to surrounding facilities.
All other services at the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre will continue to operate as normal during the emergency department closure. Physician support for inpatient units is not impacted.
Alberta Health Services said it appreciates the support of surrounding healthcare centres and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding.