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Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 105 Issue 48
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Wednesday, August 2, 2023 s
Health Minister addresses Emergency Room closures Town of Tofield cautiously optimistic Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
The Town of Tofield has received a response from Provincial Health Minister Adriana LaGrange around their letter of concern, sent in May, regarding the continuous overnight closures of the Tofield Emergency Department since Dec. due to ongoing staffing issues. Tofield Assistant Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards said, during an interview in May, that the Emergency Department overnight closures were concerning as it puts additional pressure on ambulance services. “Not only is that putting additional strain on the ambulance services, but that’s also increasing volume for our neighbours at these other facilities,” he said. “The ambulance services are being requested to do transports to other facilities, such as Viking, Lamont, Vegreville, Sherwood Park, and Camrose.” Edwards sent a letter to the health minister’s office that included signatures from Beaver County and the villages of Ryley, Holden, and Viking. LaGrange said in her response, received by Tofield on July 11, that she shared their concern around the closures and they were a temporary measure. “AHS also has a dedicated team in place to support health care professional retention and recruitment efforts in the region,” she said in her letter. “In fact, four registered nurses have been recruited to the Tofield Health Centre and are currently in orientation. Two new licensed practical nurses have also been hired. These new staff members are expected to support the site's return to regular hours over the summer.” LaGrange also addressed plans to combat the future staffing issues for rural hospitals.
The Emergency Department at Tofield Health Care Centre has been plagued with overnight closures since December due to what is described as ongoing staffing issues. LISA KUFLAY PHOTO “Additionally, AHS is engaging with the Rural Health Professions Action Plan to collaborate on staff attraction and retention strategies and support health care professionals who are new to rural communities,” she said. “The province's Health Workforce Strategy (www.alberta.ca/health-workforce-strategy.aspx) is also focused on addressing health labour shortages, including those in rural communities, and streamlining the credential recognition process for internationally educated health care workers.” LaGrange said the Alberta government is investing $72 million over three years to create more than 3,400 new seats in post-secondary institutions including seats for students in nursing, health care aide, and paramedicine programs. Edwards said that, after receiving LaGrange’s response, the Town is cautiously optimistic.
“The Town respects the response provided by the Health Minister, and views this with cautious optimism. There have been changes initiated, such as longer operating hours for the Emergency Department. This is a relief for our residents, and the whole of Beaver County,” he said by email. “We remain hopeful that the already implemented change can continue, and the return to normal operating hours is soon. “The process has been long; however, we do understand the constraints in having this move forward. Ultimately, the service needs to return for the betterment, and safety of our region.” According to AHS the opening hours for the Tofield Emergency Department have been extended since June 30 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. up to 7 a.m. to 11 p.m with a return to regular 24-hour service anticipated later this summer.
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