Due to a lack of physician coverage, the Emergency Department (ED) at the Hardisty Health Centre will be temporarily reducing its hours of operation next month.

From Feb. 1 to June 30 the ED will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Wednesday; 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays; and 24-hours on weekends, beginning at 5 p.m. on Fridays.

Patients arriving at the ED during closed hours will be redirected to other care options as appropriate.

EMS is prepared to transport patients to other nearby facilities if required.

Those not requiring emergency care will be directed to contact a physician’s clinic to book an appointment.

During this time, the acute care beds at the site will also be temporarily closed.

Any patients requiring admission will be accommodated at other nearby facilities.

The beds will be utilized to support other services, including Respite care, which do not require immediate access to a physician.

Read more on Page 6 of the January 26 edition of The Community Press – available on newsstands now and online via E-Subscription!