Swan Hills Healthcare emergency department was closed nightly from 7 pm to 7 am from June 26 to July 1 due to a registered nursing shortage and no temporary coverage.
This is not the first disruption in 2024 at the Swan Hills Healthcare emergency department.
April 15 to May 6 there was a similar disruption due to a lack of registered nurses and physicians.
Jan 11 overnight they were shut down due to no registered nursing staff available.
Jan 1 to the evening of Jan 5 emergency services were shut down due to no registered nurses available for coverage.
For the June 26 to July 1 disruption in services patients were asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency.
The media release stated, “EMS will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding healthcare centres as needed to ensure local 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-urgent health-related questions.
“We are grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.” Stated Alberta Health Services in the media release.
