Residents of Fort Macleod will need to look elsewhere for urgent healthcare for the time being.

Alberta Health Services says the emergency department at the Fort Macleod Health Centre closed at 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 27, and will reopen at 8:00 a.m. on Friday.

The temporary closure is reportedly due to an unexpected shortage of clinical personnel and an inability to secure coverage.

Residents are asked to call 911 if they are having a medical emergency. EMS calls will be rerouted to Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge, which is 49 kilometres away.

Emergency care can also be sought at the health centres in Pincher Creek, Cardston, or Claresholm.

Those with non-urgent health-related questions can phone Health Link at any time at 811.

During the closure, nursing staff will rema

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