By Erika Rolling

Healthcare

Beaverlodge ED without doctor for 24 hours

Apr 17, 2025 | 7:45 AM

Alberta Health Services says due to a clinical personnel shortage, there will be no physician in the Beaverlodge Emergency Department for a 24 hour period.

There will be no doctor in the ED due to an inability to secure temporary coverage from Thursday, April 17 at 8:00 a.m. to Friday, April 18 at 8:00 a.m.

Nursing staff remains on site during this service advisory to provide triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate ED’s in neighbouring communities.

People are still being asked to call 911 if they are experiencing a medical emergency and will be re-rerouted to surrounding facilities like the Grande Prairie Regional Hospital.

AHS says that Virtual Emergency Physician Coverage may be available during this service advisory. Site clinical staff can connect with an AHS physician by telephone or videoconference for ED patients with non-life-threatening issues. The off-site virtual physician can collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients.

The Virtual Emergency Physician program is currently being piloted in five communities: Beaverlodge, Elk Point, Hinton, Lac La Biche and Edson.

Community members are being reminded that they can call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions. Depending on their needs, patients may also be aware of services available through local pharmacies.