Those needing emergency medical care in Coronation will have to look elsewhere for at least a week following a Feb. 23 announcement by Alberta Health Services (AHS).
According to AHS, the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre emergency department will close beginning at 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 26 and remain shuttered until noon on Monday, March 1.
The closure is occurring due to ongoing gaps in physician coverage at the facility.
AHS is seeking locum coverage for all or part of closure but has so far been unsuccessful.
Nursing staff will remain on-site and provide first aid and triage if anyone presents in person to the facility.
Those presenting who can travel on their own will be directed to other facilities in Castor, Hanna or Stettler.
Patients needing more assistance will be transported by ambulance, as required.
During the closure, anyone needing emergency medical care in the region is asked to dial 911 for emergencies.
Ambulances transporting patients will be re-routed to other facilities.
For non-emergent, health-related questions residents of the area can also call Health Link 811, a 24-hour-a-day service provided by AHS.
The release announcing the closure notes that “minimal, if any, impacts” are expected in the Long Term Care residents at the facility; residents will remain at the facility unless they need to be transferred for emergency or acute care.
AHS is working toward bringing a new physician to the community.