The Central Peace Health Complex emergency department (ED) will be without physician coverage for 11.5 hours starting Thursday, June 9, at 8 a.m.

AHS is working to ensure residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time. Physician coverage in the ED will resume Thursday, June 9, at 7:30 p.m.

Nursing staff will remain on-site in the ED providing triage and assessments, and referring patients to emergency departments in surrounding communities as needed.

Patients requiring urgent emergency medical care during this time are asked to call 911.

EMS calls will be re-routed to surrounding facilities, including Fairview Health Complex (55km), Grande Prairie Regional Hospital (80km), Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital (100km) or Valleyview Health Centre (164km).

Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the ED in Spirit River may also be made aware of services available through local pharmacies. Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.

AHS is grateful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff, and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.