The Beaverlodge Municipal Hospital emergency department was closed for several hours early in the morning of Thursday, March 16th. Around 1:48 a.m. on the 16th, Alberta Health Services put out a public service announcement announcing the temporary closure.
The Grande Prairie Regional Hospital and the Central Peace Health Complex in Spirit River were the two closest emergency departments open during this time. Patients were advised to call 9-1-1 for any medical emergencies.
The emergency department reopened at 7 a.m. on Thursday. AHS officials were unable to clarify why the emergency department was closed, but it has been a recurring issue due to staffing during recent months.