Barrhead Healthcare Centre ER will be closed for seven hours on Oct. 15

BARRHEAD - The Barrhead Healthcare Centre Emergency Room will temporarily close for seven hours on Oct 15.

The closure will start at 7 a.m. and will go to 2 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 if a physician is found to cover the stretch, the ER closure will be cancelled.

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."