Update as of July 2, 2026:
On-site physician coverage has been found for a portion of the previously announced temporary service advisory at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre emergency department.
On-site physician coverage has been secured for the following time period:
- 6 a.m. to 12 p.m., Thursday, July 2
Due to lack of clinical personnel, the emergency department at the Athabasca Healthcare Centre is without onsite physician coverage for the following time periods:
- 12 p.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2
- 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, July 6
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Athabasca County has received the following notice from Alberta Health Services:
Athabasca Healthcare Centre’s Emergency Department will not have on-site physician coverage during the following times:
• 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday, July 2
• 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday, July 6
This is a temporary measure due to a lack of available clinical personnel and an inability to secure locum coverage.
Nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage and assessments and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in surrounding communities.
Virtual Emergency Physician coverage may be available for all or part of this service advisory. The Virtual Emergency Physician program uses an experienced ED physician to remotely temporarily support facilities.
Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. Residents are also reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions.
For further information, click here.
