Swan Hills too

Leader staff

The Wabasca Hospital emergency department (ED) was closed four consecutive nights in late July, due to “an unexpected gap in clinical personnel,” says the Alberta Health Services news release. The gaps were 12-hour periods, starting around seven at night, from July 26 to 30.

Patients were asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EMS remained available to the community, AHS said, was prepared to work with area healthcare centres to ensure residents have access to emergency services. The Athabasca Healthcare Centre and Slave Lake Healthcare Centre remained open.

Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.

“This is a temporary measure,” AHS said, “and AHS is working hard to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time.”

Swan Hills, meanwhile, had a similar disruption in emergency services at its hospital, for similar reasons. Two of them, to be exact. The first was from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. on July 21/22; the second was longer – the better part of three days, from 7 p.m. on July 26 to 7 a.m. on July 29.

The news release doesn’t say so, exactly, but implies health care staff has to deal with unhappy people as a result of these situations.

“When contacting healthcare staff, please remember to be polite and respectful,” says the release. “Our team is working hard to provide the best care, and kindness helps create a positive experience for everyone.”

Feedback can be provided in other ways, besides unloading it on hospital or clinic staff. One way is through the AHS Patient Relations team, at 1-855-550-2555.

“We are grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time,” says the news release.