Bow Island Health Centre Expands Emergency Department Hours

The emergency department at the Bow Island Health Centre in Alberta is set to expand its operating hours, now open from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Mondays through Thursdays and from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Fridays through Sundays. The decision comes amid ongoing challenges related to a shortage of clinical personnel that prevents the facility from offering round-the-clock emergency services.

According to Alberta Health Services (AHS), local physicians have stepped up to provide extended coverage for both the emergency department and the clinic. Emergency services will be available during two specific time slots on weekdays: from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. for urgent cases and low-acuity walk-ins. Outside these hours, physicians will remain on call for patients arriving between 11:30 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

When the emergency department is closed, nursing staff will continue to be present to care for acute care patients and long-term care residents. AHS is actively recruiting to fill positions within the community to enhance service availability and ensure that local residents receive the necessary care.

Residents are reminded to call emergency services at 911 in case of medical emergencies. Emergency Medical Services (EMS) are prepared to respond to urgent situations and facilitate transfers to nearby facilities. Patients seeking additional emergency care can access services at the Taber Health Centre or the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital, both located approximately 57 km away from Bow Island.

For non-emergency health-related inquiries, residents are encouraged to call Health Link at 811, which operates 24/7. Those requiring non-emergency medical assistance should also consider contacting their family physician for support. AHS emphasizes its commitment to ensuring access to healthcare for the community during this transitional period.