Due to a gap in physician coverage, the Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service (SLAACS) will be closed Friday, June 7, 2 p.m. to 10 p.m., with normal hours resuming at 7:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8.

Patients can access medical care for urgent health concerns from facilities in nearby communities, including Red Deer and Rocky Mountain House. Appointments scheduled with other services at the Sylvan Lake Community Health Centre, including laboratory appointments, or appointments with Public Health or Addiction and Mental Health services, are not impacted by temporary closures of SLAACS.

Patients requiring emergency medical care should call 911.

The Sylvan Lake Advanced Ambulatory Care Service offers diagnosis and treatment of urgent but non-life-threatening conditions. Examples of urgent needs include minor cuts or burns, muscle and joint strains, bone fractures, and fever in young children. It is not for life-threatening emergencies such as heart attack, signs/symptoms of stroke, head trauma, seizures etc.

AHS and local medical staff recognize that temporary closures are concerning to the community and continue to collaborate to secure additional supports for SLAACS through ongoing recruitment efforts for example to help maintain regular service hours while also providing local physicians with the time they need to meet their professional obligations.