Due to the inability to secure physician coverage, the Elk Point Healthcare Centre emergency department will be temporarily without on-site physician coverage during the following times:

• 8 a.m., Wednesday, August 7 to 8 a.m., Friday, August 9
• 8 a.m., Monday, August 12 to 8 a.m., Tuesday, August 13
• 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday, August 16

The emergency department will also continue to be without physician coverage from 8 a.m. Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday due to a lack of physician availability on the following dates:

• August 14-15
• August 21-22
• August 28-29

Nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department during these times, providing triage, assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities, as needed.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EMS will remain available to the community and will work with the local healthcare centre to ensure residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need.

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

If coverage is found, disruptions may be cancelled. This is a temporary measure and AHS is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time.