RMH Health Centre emergency department to close over 16-hour period
Alberta Health Services Public Service Announcement
ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE — The Rocky Mountain House Health Centre Complex emergency department (ED) will be temporarily without physician coverage from Wednesday, May 12, at 6 p.m., to Thursday, May 13, at 7 a.m.
The ED will close beginning at 3 p.m. to allow physicians and staff to treat and discharge all remaining patients in the department. New patients will not be admitted into the department at this time.
This is a temporary measure and AHS is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time. Inpatient units are not impacted by this closure, and on-call coverage for obstetrical patients will continue to be available for patients who may present to the emergency department in active labour.
Nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department, providing triage and assessments. They will refer patients to emergency departments in surrounding communities as needed.
Additional EMS supports will be available to transport patients who may need it.
Patients requiring urgent emergency medical care during this time are asked to call 911.
EMS calls will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, including the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Centre, Rimbey Hospital and Care Centre, Sundre Hospital and Care Centre and Red Deer Regional Hospital and Care Centre.
Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the emergency department in Rocky Mountain House may also be made aware of services available through local pharmacies and the Primary Care Network. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.
AHS is 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.
Alberta Health Services is the provincial health authority responsible for planning and delivering health supports and services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Its mission is to provide a patient-focused, quality health system that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans.
Source: Alberta Health Services
Revised AHS statement issued at 5:30 p.m. May 12
