Short-term physician coverage gap impacts St. Thérèse – St. Paul Healthcare Centre

The emergency department at the St. Thérèse – St. Paul Healthcare Centre will be without on-site physician coverage for part of Friday evening due to a clinical staffing shortage.

When this is happening

• Friday, Jan. 2
• 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

What services will still be available

• Nursing staff will remain on site in the emergency department to provide:
• Triage
• Patient assessments
• Referrals to neighbouring emergency departments if required

Emergency Medical Services will continue operating in the community. Ambulances will be rerouted to surrounding facilities as needed.

What to do if you need care

Call 911 if you have a medical emergency

Call Health Link at 811 for non-emergency health advice, available 24/7

Some health concerns may also be managed through local pharmacies, depending on your needs

Virtual emergency physician support

Virtual Emergency Physician coverage may be available for part or all of this period. This program allows experienced emergency physicians to support local clinical staff remotely by phone or video for non-life-threatening cases. Virtual physicians can consult with patients, order tests and medications, and help determine whether patients should be transferred or discharged.

St. Paul is one of eight Alberta communities currently participating in this pilot program.

Looking ahead

Alberta Health Services says this is a temporary measure and efforts continue to secure physician coverage. If coverage is found, the service advisory will be cancelled.

Residents with concerns can contact AHS Patient Relations at 1-855-550-2555.

AHS thanked surrounding healthcare centres, medical staff, and the community for their patience and support during this time.