AHS shuts ER in Milk River over Holidays for lack of doctor

By Medicine Hat News on December 26, 2020.

The emergency department in Milk River is closed for the rest of the year.

Alberta Health Services announced the closure at the Milk River Health Centre due to the absence of a physician there.

Patients in the area will need to use other hospitals in the south zone.

The emergency department in Milk River will not be accepting patients from 5 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 24, to 8 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 25. It will be closed again from 8 a.m. on Monday, Dec. 28, to 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 29 and from 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 30 through Dec. 31.

“This temporary closure is the result of physician scheduling conflicts and out-of-country travel. AHS will continue to keep the community updated regarding scheduling for January,” reads an AHS press release. “Individuals who would normally seek emergency care at the Milk River Health Centre during these times are advised to visit the Raymond Health Centre (60 km) or Chinook Regional Hospital (87 km) in Lethbridge.”

Patients requiring immediate medical care should phone 911.

Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care should call their family physician. You can also call Health Link 811, available 24/7 to speak to a nurse and receive telephone advice and health information.

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