Alberta Health Services - Public Service Announcement

Aug. 11, 2026 - Due to an unexpected clinical personnel shortage and inability to secure temporary coverage, the Grimshaw/Berwyn and District Community Health Centre emergency department (ED) will be without onsite physician coverage from:

• 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 12*

• 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 13*

* A Virtual Emergency Physician (VEP) is currently scheduled to support all or part of this shift. VEP schedules may be altered; site will make patients aware when there is a VEP on duty.

During this time, nursing staff will remain on-site in the emergency department providing triage, assessments, and referrals for patients to alternate emergency departments in neighbouring communities, as needed.

Virtual Emergency Physician (VEP) coverage may be available for all or part of this service advisory. The VEP program uses an experienced ED physician to remotely support facilities temporarily without available on-site ED physician support. Site clinical staff can connect with an AHS physician by telephone or videoconference for ED patients with non-life-threatening issues. This off-site virtual physician can collaborate with local staff, speak with patients, order tests and medications, and transfer or discharge patients.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency during these times. Emergency Health Services will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding facilities.

Residents with concerns can provide feedback through the Patient Relations team. For more information, call 1-855-550-2555.