Five acute care beds are being closed at the Bonnyville hospital starting Monday.

In a press release from Covenant Health on Friday, the health organization said that staffing shortages are forcing this closure, which begins on Monday, Nov. 28, and could last as long as Jan. 9, 2023.

Covenant Health said the status of the closure will be evaluated weekly. The closure may impact patient flow and wait times throughout the facility.

Obstetrics, surgical and the emergency department, remain open at Bonnyville Health Centre, 

“We would like to thank the community for their patience and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause as we navigate this extended staffing shortage,” says Shelly Franklin, Site Administrator, Bonnyville Health Centre in a press release. 

“We acknowledge that this temporary service reduction will cause some concern for local residents, and we ask that you are patient with our staff during this challenging time.

“We are grateful to the teams from Covenant Health and AHS, who are working tirelessly to find solutions to staffing shortages in the North Zone. Our top priority remains the safety of our patients and staff.”