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Health region looking to help fire evacuees

Jul 8, 2015 | 12:15 PM

The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region is facing some pressure from the influx of visitors to the city.

Speaking on behalf of the health region, Doug Dahl said there have been long line-ups and lengthy wait times at the Victoria Hospital.

“We know that’s from people outside the coming into the community and have medical needs, and don’t know where to go,” he said.

Dahl said issues at the hospital are less smoke-related and more commonly related to people needing prescriptions filled.

“That’s one of the reasons why we are really encouraging people to look at the walk-in clinics in Prince Albert. There’s five of them.”

To help alleviate some of the pressure on the hospital, nurse practitioners have been spending a few hours each day at the respective evacuation sites.  The Prince Albert Parkland Health Region has also been working closely with Prince Albert Grand Council, makings sure health services are being provided in the communities where some residents may have stayed behind.

With increased demand, one might assume that the hospital staffing would be affected.  Dahl said administration has done their best to manage.

“Just sort of re-allocating people from different locations to try and meet this really urgent need but there is a possibility with weekends, additional hours required,” he said.

It’s not only hospital staff being called on to work a little harder to help these evacuees. Dahl said there have been requests for PAPHR staff to help translate, helping those who speak languages like Dene and Cree communicate in English.

Dahl reiterated that people with non-urgent health issues, such as prescription questions, should go to a walk in clinic and leave the emergency department for more urgent needs.

Here is a list of the walk in clinics available in the city:

Prince Albert Cornerstone Medical Clinic

100 Cornerstone (inside Wal-Mart)

Hours: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.(MON to FRI); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.(Sat, Sun)

(306) 922 – 2002

Prince Albert Medical Walk-In Clinic

2200, 800 – 15th Street West (Cornerstone – next to Shopper’s Drug Mart)

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.(MON to THURS); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.(FRI); 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.(Sat/Sun)

(306) 764 – 6655

South Hill Minor Emergency

2685 2nd Ave. West

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.(MON to FRI); 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.(SAT); 10 a.m to 8 p.m.(Sun and Stats)

(306) 922 – 2266

Supermed Family Medicine and Walk-In Clinic

591 15th street East(Superstore)

Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m(Mon to Thurs); 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.(Fri); 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.(Sat); Sundays and Stats Closed

(306) 763 – 4808

West Hill Medical Clinic

South Hill Mall – next to Shopper’s Drug Mart

Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m(Mon to Fri); 10 a.m. to 4 pm.(Sat, Sun, Stats)

(306) 765 – 8500

nmaxwell@panow.com

On Twitter: @nigelmaxwell