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unexpected illness

Ponoka’s emergency room closed overnight tonight

Feb 14, 2023 | 9:28 PM

The Ponoka emergency department is closed tonight (Tuesday).

AHS informed media of this at 5 p.m., just as the closure was set to begin. It will last until 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 15.

AHS says this is due to an “unexpected physician illness.”

It is a temporary measure and, “and all other services at the site continue to operate as normal. Inpatient units are not affected by this closure.”

The rest of AHS’ statement is as follows:

Patients presenting to the site seeking ED services will be assessed by nursing staff and referred to emergency departments in surrounding communities depending on their condition. Patients with non-urgent conditions will be redirected to other care options as appropriate.

Patients requiring emergency medical care during this time are asked to call 911. 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.

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

Such a closure is a temporary measure taken as a last resort. Efforts to secure alternative locum coverage have been exhausted to avoid a disruption in services for the community. AHS is grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.