Bow Island ED to remain closed this weekend

The Bow Island Health Centre emergency department (ED) will be closed this weekend due to lack of clinical coverage starting at 7 a.m., Friday, May 30.

There is still an ongoing clinical personnel shortage and an inability to secure regular and consistent coverage during the remainder of the week. The ED should resume its current hours of 7 a.m. Fridays to 7 a.m. Mondays the following weekend.

During the temporary closure, nursing staff will remain on-site to provide care for remaining acute care patients and long-term care residents.

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 or the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, both 57 km away.

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 its patience and understanding during this time.