Northern Health informed residents of 亚洲天堂 Lake of potential service interruptions at the Lakes District Hospital and Health Care (LDHHC) on their Facebook page 鈥樠侵尢焯� Lake and Area鈥� on Oct. 26 and 28.

Eryn Collins from Northern Health Communications said the recent service interruptions at the LDHHC have resulted from gaps in physician coverage.

鈥淣orthern Health makes every effort to prevent service interruptions.鈥�

She said there are currently six local area physicians who provide coverage for the LDHHC鈥檚 emergency department, and Northern Health continues to reach out to physicians and locums in other areas about coverage opportunities for any unfilled shifts.

As an alternative solution, the hospital worked to arrange virtual physician coverage at the emergency department when available.

鈥淲e also encourage people to take advantage of options for non-urgent care, such as the Northern Heath Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic, or the ability to book an appointment to see a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and prescription contraceptives,鈥� Collins said.

One 亚洲天堂 Lake physician rotates between the Southside and Granisle one day per week in each community.

Collins said these primary care clinics do not affect emergency department coverage in 亚洲天堂 Lake.

She said the service helps to reduce the impact on emergency department services by supporting individuals with their ongoing primary care needs and health challenges.

At all times, residents who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding) should call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

鈥淎ny time services are interrupted, our partners in patient transfer and local health services are notified, and signage is in place at the hospital informing patients to call 911 for transport,鈥� Collins said.