Alberta Health Services has announced the addition of a locum nurse practitioner (NP) to the Rocky Mountain House Health Centre. The NP will be providing overnight coverage in the ED from 6 p.m. July 2 to 7 a.m. July 3, allowing the Emergency Department to remain open during a gap in physician availability.
During this time, some patients may be diverted to other facilities for higher level emergency care. As always, patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency. EMS will be available to transport patients if required.
This will be the first time that an NP has provided coverage in the Rocky Mountain House ED. However, they have successfully provided this needed service in other facilities across the province.
NPs are advanced practice providers with specialized training in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. They work alongside the healthcare team to enhance patient care. NPs can diagnose, prescribe medications, and manage care independently within their scope of practice.
Other services at the site are not impacted by this temporary change in ED coverage.