If you live in the Sylvan Lake area, you may have noticed the occasional closure of the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service due to staff shortages. Alberta Health Services (AHS) they are working to address the staffing challenges. 

“Among the issues are staff fatigue and the need for time away. Across the globe healthcare physicians and staff are tired, and the demands of COVID-19 have understandably resulted in less ability to pick up extra shifts. It is also summer, a time when we see higher requests for vacations and time off to be with family.

In addition, there are short-notice sick calls, which can compound challenges with coverage. The recent reduction in hours on August 8 and 9 was due to sudden illness,” said AHS in a statement.

AHS says it can be difficult to cover short notice gaps in emergency services when physicians are already busy int heir private clinics. 

AHS says the following strategies are being pursued to improve coverage:

  • Hiring three new physicians for the community, including two who will have support for the Advanced Ambulatory Care Service as part of the contract. Another job posting is seeking a physician with obstetrical training to help support maternity patients. A fourth physician has also been secured, replacing an existing vacancy.
  • Onboarding new locum physicians who have expressed interest in traveling to Sylvan Lake.
  • Improving the scheduling process the physician group uses, and reviewing whether changes to the length of shifts would be more enticing.
  • Exploring opportunities to work with the PCN to support alternative care providers like a Nurse Practitioner.
  • Reviewing possible changes in hours of operation during the summer months to better align with times of peak demand after hours. No final decision on such a possibility has been made, nor would it without appropriate discussion with community partners and residents.

 “Alberta Health Services values the work our rural physicians and healthcare teams do every day. We remain dedicated to supporting the Advanced Ambulatory Care Service that the community of Sylvan Lake worked so hard to help bring to fruition. We will continue to collaborate with the Town and the Urgent Care Committee, and we look forward to working with the newly established sub-committee on recruitment and retention.

We have every intention of continuing to support the Advanced Ambulatory Care Service for those who staff it, and those who rely on it,” AHS concluded. 

You can read the full statement here.