The Stettler Hospital and Care Centre emergency department will be closed evenings next week.
Beginning Jan. 12, the emergency department will be closed from 5 p.m. until 8 a.m. every night until Jan. 19.
On Jan. 19, the emergency department will be closed for 24 hours from 5 p.m. until 5 p.m. on Jan. 20.
The closure is due to "an unexpected clinical personal shortage" according to an Alberta Health Services release.
While the emergency department is closed, nursing staff will remain on hand to provide first aid and triage.
Patients presenting to the department will be referred to facilities in neighbouring communities, such as Drumheller, Lacombe, Castor, Camrose, or Red Deer.
Those unable to go themselves will have transport arranged for them.
During the closure period, area residents are asked to call 911.
Ambulances will be available in the community and will be re-routed to neighbouring facilities.
No other services at Stettler Hospital are impacted by the closure.
