Virtual Emergency Physician program comes to Bow Island Health Centre

“Bow Island is well-suited for VEP with disruptions often occurring overnight when the number of patients is lower, and injuries or illnesses are not as acute,” Provincial Medical Lead of Rural Health Sustainability Dr. Jane Ojedokun said.

“If patients have life-threatening issues, we have plans in place to get them the care they need through the support of Alta Paramedic Health (formerly Emergency Health Services) and surrounding facilities.”

Officials say when the program launched in five northern Alberta communities in January 2025, it served more than 1,100 patients in six months.

The program now operates across multiple sites in northwestern, Edmonton rural and central Alberta. Similar models are used in B.C. and Saskatchewan.

“Seeing the data and feedback from VEP support at rural sites throughout the province, we are excited to expand into southern Alberta, improving access to care for residents in Bow Island while supporting our dedicated healthcare teams providing care for their communities,” says Dr. Ojedokun.

AHS says recruiting on-site physicians remains its priority, but the virtual program will help maintain access to care during temporary staffing shortages.

AHS adds that their current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, increasing access to surgeries and improving patient flow.

by Jesse Gill

Virtual Emergency Physician program comes to Bow Island Health Centre

Our Community