Bow Island emergency department reducing hours

Posted on May 8, 2025 by Ryan Dahlman

Southern Alberta Newspapers

Effective immediately, the Bow Island Health Centre emergency department (ED) will be open from 7 a.m. Friday until 7 a.m. every Monday, and closed on all other weekdays, including Thursdays.

There is an ongoing clinical personnel shortage and an inability to secure regular and consistent coverage during the remainder of the week.

During the temporary closure, nursing staff will remain on-site to provide care for remaining acute care patients and long-term care residents. Admissions to two acute care beds have also been reopened.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is actively recruiting for positions in the community and working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EMS services are prepared to respond to emergency events and support inter-facility transfers to neighbouring sites. Patients seeking care can access emergency services at the Taber Health Centre (57 km) or the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (57 km).

Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency, health-related questions. Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care are also encouraged to call their family physician.

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.”