(rdnewsNOW file photo)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

temporary closure

Rocky Mountain House emergency room without a doctor tonight

May 12, 2021 | 4:22 PM

The Rocky Mountain House Health Centre Complex’s emergency department (ED) will be without a physician overnight tonight (Wednesday).

The lack of coverage Alberta Health Services is being caused by illness will last from 6 p.m on May 12 until 7 a.m. on May 13.

“This is not something that happens often at all. In the past our processes for finding locum coverage have been successful and we’ve not had to close the emergency department,” an AHS spokesperson told rdnewsNOW. “Due to illness, this gap in coverage has occurred and despite exhausting all avenues of bringing in other physician supports, we have to temporarily close the ED.”

AHS said in a release Wednesday afternoon the emergency department in Rocky would close starting at 3 p.m. to allow physicians and staff to treat and discharge all remaining patients. New patients will not be admitted again until Thursday morning.

“This is a temporary measure and AHS is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time,” AHS says. “Inpatient units are not impacted by this closure, and on-call coverage for obstetrical patients will continue to be available for patients who may present to the emergency department in active labour.”

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Nursing staff will remain on-site in the ED, providing triage and other assessments. They’ll also refer patients to other EDs in the region if needed.

Additional EMS supports will be available for transport, but patients requiring urgent medical care during this time should call 911.

“EMS calls will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, including the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Centre, Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Sundre Hospital and Care Centre and Red Deer Regional Hospital and Care Centre,” says AHS.

“Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the emergency department in Rocky Mountain House may also be made aware of services available through local pharmacies and the Primary Care Network. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.”

AHS thanks surrounding healthcare centre and medical staff, as well as the community for its patience and understanding.

In July 2020, local doctors in Rocky expressed a fear of a lack of available physicians at the hospital’s ED becoming a regular occurrence. Health Minister Tyler Shandro tweeted at the time that a two week stretch in August where doctors would be lacking was caused by vacations being taken, and nothing to do with a contract dispute.

That claim was confirmed by AHS.

In October 2020, a local clinic had to temporarily shut its doors to foot traffic because there weren’t enough doctors to cover shifts.

At least one long-time area doctor retired last year, and two others closed their family practice. At that time, AHS confirmed there were 10 physicians in the area, whereas 18 plus two surgeons would be ideal for a town of that size.

Shandro said in October, “Physician recruitment to Rocky Mountain House is a priority for AHS.”