Rocky Mountain House emergency room to remain open despite reported temporary closure Thursday

The Rocky Mountain House Health Centre will be without a physician in its emergency department for four hours on Thursday.

Alberta Health Services says the temporary absence of a doctor will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., but the emergency room will close at 9 a.m. This will allow physicians and staff to treat and discharge remaining patients.

New patients will not be admitted during the temporary closure.

“This is a temporary measure taken as a last resort,” AHS says in a statement. :Alberta Health Services is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time, and to keep all other services at the site operating as normal. Inpatient units are not impacted by this closure.”

According to AHS, Patients requiring emergency medical care during this time are asked to call 911, and EMS calls will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, including the Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Myron Thompson Health Centre in Sundre and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.

Nursing staff will remain on-site to refer such patients.

Residents are reminded they can also still call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.

“AHS would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time,” the health authority continues. “AHS is thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff as well to help ensure that those who need care continue to have access to it, even if that requires getting that care at a neighbouring community.”

The announcement comes days after ED treatment spaces closed temporarily at Red Deer Regional.

It was July 5 when six beds in Rocky closed due to a staff shortage.

AHS gives update on staffing levels, acute bed shortages, and operation levels

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Six beds closed due to staff shortage at Rocky Health Centre

by Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

Rocky Mountain House emergency room to remain open despite reported temporary closure Thursday

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