Update: 

This morning AHS issued the PSA below regarding a temporary closure of the emergency department at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre Emergency Department. 

Since that time, AHS has been able to find physician coverage. 

The Lacombe Emergency Department will remain open today. 

 

Original post:

According to Alberta Health Services, the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre emergency department (ED) will be temporarily closed from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. today, April 1, due to physician illness.

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.  

If necessary, EMS will transport patients to alternative sites.

Patients with non-urgent conditions will be redirected to other care options as appropriate.

EMS crews responding to 911 calls will re-route to surrounding facilities, including the Ponoka Hospital and Care Centre, Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre and Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre, with patients who require hospital admission.

This is a temporary measure taken as a last resort after being unable to secure coverage. All other services at the site continue to operate as normal.