The emergency department at Fort Macleod Health Centre will be without physician coverage from 7 p.m. Thursday, July 23, to 7 a.m. Friday, July 24, because of an unexpected shortage of clinical staff.

Nursing staff will remain on-site during that time, providing triage, assessment and referral to emergency departments in neighbouring communities as needed.

Anyone with a medical emergency during the overnight period is asked to call 911. Emergency Health Services will continue to serve the community and will re-route patients to surrounding facilities, including Claresholm General Hospital, Pincher Creek Health Centre, Chinook Regional Hospital and Cardston Health Centre.

Health Link is available 24/7 at 811 for non-emergency health questions, and local pharmacies can help with some needs.

AHS says it is still working to find coverage, and the disruption will be cancelled if staff are secured.

Residents with concerns can contact AHS Patient Relations at 1-855-550-2555.