‘Unexpected’ personnel shortage shuts health clinic in Picture Butte

The Piyami Health Centre's ambulatory clinic will be closed on Feb. 4 and 5, 2025, due to a lack of staffing. (Supplied/Google Maps)

Alberta Health Services (AHS) says a staffing shortfall at the Piyami Health Centre’s ambulatory clinic has forced it to temporarily close down.

In a statement on its website, AHS said the closure is “due to an unexpected clinical personnel shortage and an inability to secure coverage.”

As a result, the clinic will not be open on Feb. 4 and 5, but it will reopen on Feb. 6 with regular weeknight hours from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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AHS says the clinic is for people seeking non-urgent care and need to see a doctor, but do not need to be seen in the emergency department.

While the closure is in effect, AHS encourages Albertans to contact Health Link at 811 or use the Coaldale Health Centre’s ambulatory clinic on weeknights between 5:30 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

“AHS is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time,” AHS said.

“We are thankful for the support of primary care teams and health-care centres in the surrounding communities and would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time.”

Anyone requiring emergency care should go to the Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge or call 911 in case of a medical emergency.