Milk River Emergency Department to close intermittently during October and November 2022 due to doctor shortage. (Image: Alberta Health Services)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Milk River Emergency Department to periodically close in October and November

Oct 17, 2022 | 8:55 AM

MILK RIVER, AB – Residents of Milk River are being advised by Alberta Health Services of intermittent closures of the town’s emergency healthcare department over the next month.

The Milk River Health Centre Emergency Department will be temporarily closed from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m. Mondays to Thursdays from Oct. 17 to Nov. 11

AHS says this is due to staffing issues.

“This is a temporary measure due to lack of physician coverage and AHS is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time,” reads a media advisory from AHS.

Patients in Milk River requiring emergency care during the closure periods should still phone 911. EMS calls will be re-routed to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, which is approximately 87 kilometres away.

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Emergency health services can also be accessed at the Raymond Health Centre, located about 61 km away.

Nursing staff will remain on-site at the Milk River Health Centre to look after long-term care residents.

“We are thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time,” says AHS.

Those with non-urgent medical questions can phone Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7.