Bow Island emergency department hours extended, though shortage of staff continues

By Anna Smith
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Bow Island Health Centre emergency department is re-extending its hours, though AHS says a staff shortage remains.

Effective immediately the emergency department will be open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday, and 7 a.m. Friday to 8 p.m. Monday. Non-urgent walk-in patients are welcome from 8-11:30 a.m. and from 6-8 p.m.

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 is still recruiting positions in the community.

Patients are still asked to call 911 in the event of an emergency, or Health Link at 811 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 health-care centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time.