By rdnewsNOW Staff

Until 5:00 p.m.

Ponoka emergency department temporarily closed April 8

Apr 8, 2022 | 12:48 PM

Due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage, officials with Alberta Health Services (AHS) say the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED) is temporarily without physician coverage until 5 p.m. today.

Patients requiring emergency medical care during this time are asked to call 911. Officials say EMS calls will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, including the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre, Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre.

Patients presenting to the ED will be seen by staff and referred to emergency departments in surrounding communities as needed, or to the local medical clinic for follow up with a family physician depending on their needs.

AHS officials say this is a temporary measure taken as a last resort, noting all efforts to secure alternative coverage on short notice have been exhausted.

Officials say the organization 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.

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AHS is thanking the community for their patience and understanding during this time and is also thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff to help ensure that those who need care continue to have access to services.