Bow Island Emergency Department – Important changes 

Posted on March 27, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced a temporary closure (that took place from March 14 to March 21) of the Bow Island Emergency Department (ED), followed by new operating hours. Beginning March 21 and until further notice, the ED will be open from 7 a.m. on Fridays to 7 a.m. Mondays and closed outside of those hours. During the temporary closure, nursing staff will remain on site to provide assistance for remaining acute care patients and long-term care residents.

Gwen Wirth, Director, Communications, South Zone, Alberta Health Services, clarifies, “We are currently experiencing an unexpected clinical personnel shortage in Bow Island, including reduced physician availability. As a result, the health centre will continue to experience short-term temporary closures of its (ED). We have also temporarily paused admissions to the acute care beds at the facility.”

The issue is not lost on AHS. Wirth adds, “We know this is a loss for the community and we’re working to restore services as fast as we can. AHS has no plans to permanently reduce services at the Bow Island Health Centre, including the ED. Physician recruitment is ongoing and we are committed to maintaining access to healthcare. The health centre is an important part of the community, and we value the care provided inside its walls. Maintaining health services and our physician workforce remains a top priority.”

Bow Island residents are not without emergency care. Calling 911 brings EMS to patients, where they can be transported to open, neighbouring ED sites. Patients with the ability to drive (only if safe and accessible to do so) can access EDs in Taber or Medicine Hat. Those seeking advice on non-emergency conditions can call Health Link (811) 24/7.

Rural Alberta is grappling with a healthcare crisis as emergency room closures and doctor shortages continue to strain communities. In June 2024 alone, 14 rural hospitals experienced ER service disruptions, with some facilities, like Fairview, losing emergency coverage for over 300 hours. This issue is compounded by a chronic shortage of physicians, with Alberta requiring over 500 new doctors annually to meet demand. Currently, 650,000 Albertans are without a family doctor, leading many to rely on emergency rooms for basic care.

Wirth concludes, “Through this challenging time, we appreciate the continued patience of the community, and their continued commitment to healthcare.”