Alberta Health Services (AHS) has announced a change in hours for the Coronation Hospital and Care Centre emergency department.
Effective Feb. 5, the facility will be open from 8 a.m. Mondays through 8 a.m. Thursdays, reopening from 8 a.m. until noon on Fridays.
In addition, the emergency department will be closed from 8 a.m. to noon on Feb. 7 and Feb. 21.
Weekend coverage alternating with Castors Our Lady of the Rosary Hospital will continue as normal.
While the emergency department is closed, nursing staff will remain on hand to provide assessment and triage for anyone who presents to the facility.
The release announcing the change in hours notes that patients may be referred to other facilities in surrounding communities, including Castor, Hanna, and Stettler.
Those requiring it will be transported by Ambulance.
Those requiring assistance during the closed hours are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency.
As an alternative, residents with health-related questions can also call Health Link at 811. 811 is available 24 hours a day and is ready to answer non-emergent questions. Residents with non-emergent conditions are also encouraged to talk to their family doctors.
The release concludes by noting that if locum is secured for any of the gaps, the public will be notified.
