Sign up for our free daily newsletter!
(rdnewsNOW file photo)
JUNE 17 AND JUNE 24

Temporary closures upcoming at Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care

Jun 13, 2024 | 5:00 PM

Due to gaps in physician coverage, the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service (SLAACS) will experience a series of temporary closures later this month, on the following dates and times:

  • Monday, June 17, from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at which time the service will reopen until 10 p.m.
  • Monday, June 24, 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at which time the service will reopen until 10 p.m.

Officials with Alberta Health Services (AHS) say appointments scheduled with other services at the Sylvan Lake Community Health Centre, including laboratory appointments, or appointments with Public Health or Addiction and Mental Health services are not impacted by temporary closures of SLAACS.

The health organization says patients arriving at the Sylvan Lake Community Health Centre to receive care from SLAACS during a temporary closure will be redirected to other available care options as appropriate to their individual needs. This may include being redirected to other facilities, being asked to return when SLAACS resumes service, or following up with a primary care provider.

Officials say patients can access medical care for urgent health concerns from facilities in nearby communities, including Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House.

The SLAACS offers diagnosis and treatment of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Examples of urgent needs include minor cuts or burns, muscle and joint strains, bone fractures, and fever in young children. It is not for life-threatening emergencies such as heart attack, signs/symptoms of stroke, head trauma, seizures etc.

Officials say AHS and local medical staff are collaborating to secure additional supports for SLAACS through ongoing recruitment efforts to help maintain regular service hours while also providing local physicians with the time they need to meet their professional obligations.

Subscribe to our FREE newsletter, and download the rdnewsNOW mobile app on Google Play and the Apple App Store for all the latest updates on this and other stories.