Bassano Health Centre ED back to 24/7 operation

By Medicine Hat News on December 30, 2022.

Bassano Health Centre’s emergency department is returning to 24/7 operating hours Jan. 2, seven months after Alberta Health Services temporarily reduced hours due to physician staffing shortages.

AHS confirmed Thursday the decision to reinstate 24/7 service was made following the community’s acquisition of two new physicians: one already working and one set to begin in March, 2023.

AHS did not specify whether the new physicians would be working at the Bassano Health Centre’s ED, but did note that more physicians – especially family doctors – are needed across Alberta in order to meet community health needs.

The temporary reduction of hours, which forced weekly overnight closures of the health centre’s ED from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Monday through Thursday, went into effect June 1. It was originally expected to last only through the summer months, but was extended through the remainder of the year.

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