The Fairview Health Complex emergency department (ED) will be temporarily without physician coverage for 24 hours Friday, Oct. 8, from 7 a.m. to 7 a.m. the next morning, Saturday, Oct. 9.

This is a temporary measure and AHS is working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time. Physician coverage in the emergency department will resume Saturday, Oct. 9, at 7 a.m.

Nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department 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 the Grimshaw/Berwyn and District Community Health Centre (58 km away), the Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River (56 km) and the Peace River Community Health Centre (85 km).

Depending on their needs, patients seeking care at the emergency department in Fairview 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 thankful 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.