The emergency department at the Lacombe Hospital and Care Centre will be temporarily closed overnight on two consecutive days due to an unexpected gap in physician coverage, Alberta Health Services (AHS) announced.

The closures will take place from 11 p.m. Friday until 7 a.m. Saturday and again from 11 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. Sunday.

AHS said efforts to secure temporary physician coverage were unsuccessful.

Nursing staff will remain on site during the closures to assess and support any patients who arrive at the emergency department. Depending on their condition, patients may be referred to other health-care facilities in nearby communities.

AHS is advising residents to call 911 in the event of a medical emergency. For non-emergency health concerns, people are encouraged to contact

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