Elk Point emergency department latest to see physician disruption

The Elk Point hospital is preparing for a handful of dates in May where there will be no physician coverage in the emergency department.

In fact, all day for each Wednesday in May, they are unable to secure physician coverage, as well as May 31.

• 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 1 – 8 a.m., Thursday, May 2
• 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 8 – 8 a.m., Thursday, May 9
• 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 15 – 8 a.m., Thursday, May 16
• 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 22 – 8 a.m., Thursday, May 23
• 8 a.m., Wednesday, May 29 – 8 a.m., Thursday, May 30
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, May 31

Alberta Health Services says that nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities, as needed.

However, if coverage is found then some of these dates may be cancelled.

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

This is not new in the Lakeland area. Several dates will be disrupted in the near future at George McDougall hospital in Smoky Lake.