Barrhead Healthcare Centre ER will be closed for six hours on Feb. 7

[Editor's note: In the first version of this story it was stated that the Barrhead Emergency Room would be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Feb.7. Since then a physican has been found to cover a portion of that time period. The story has been edited to reflect this change.]

BARRHEAD - The Barrhead Healthcare Centre Emergency Room will temporarily close for six hours on Friday, Feb. 7.

The closure will start at 11 a.m. and go until 5 p.m.

According to an Alberta Health Services release, the closure is due to the lack of physician coverage.

Nursing staff will remain in the ER, providing urgent triage and assessments and referring patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities.  

Patients are still asked to call 9-1-1 if they have a medical emergency. Emergency medical services will still be available within the community, and patients may be re-routed to other nearby communities.

Residents can also make non-emergency medical-related inquiries by calling  8-1-1.

AHS also reiterated that the closure is temporary and that the ER closure will be cancelled if a physician is found to cover the stretch.

The release states, "We are thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time."