Temporary closure of Oyen Emergency Department

OYEN – The Big Country Hospital emergency department (ED) re-opened at 6:00 PM on Friday, April 18, and was to remain open until 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, as physician coverage had been secured for this time.

The emergency department temporarily closed at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 20, and was scheduled to re-open on Tuesday, April 22, at 8 a.m. to provide 24-hour service.

The emergency department closure had previously been anticipated to last from 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 17, to 8:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 22.

Acute care patients already admitted to the hospital prior to the temporary closure continued to receive care during this time.

Alberta Health Services (AHS) is working to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need when they need it.

Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. If the ED at Big Country Hospital is not available, EMS calls will be re-routed to the Hanna Health Centre (113 km); Coronation Health Centre (135 km); Provost Health Centre (140 km); Brooks Health Centre (187 km); or Medicine Hat Regional Hospital (196 km). Patients seeking care can access emergency services at any one of these sites.

Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7 for non-emergency, health-related questions. Individuals requiring non-emergency medical care are also encouraged to call their family physician.

AHS is thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff, and would like to thank the community for its patience and understanding during this time.

Alberta Health Services provides a range of healthcare services for more than four million adults and children living in Alberta. Our mission is to provide excellent, patient-focused healthcare that is accessible and sustainable for all Albertans. Our current focus is on reducing emergency department wait times, improving EMS response times, increasing access to surgeries, and improving patient flow.