AHS says U of A operating rooms closures part of normal summer 'slowdown'
Alberta Health Services says the closure of two of 14 operating rooms at the University of Alberta hospital is part of the site's "normal surgical slowdown" during summer months.
AHS also cites "physician coverage challenges" as a factor in the temporary closures. It says no surgeries will be postponed or rescheduled.
“It is common, especially in the summer – when staffing levels are historically lower as our healthcare workers take more personal time or vacation – for resources to be adjusted to align with available staff,” said Dr. David Zygun, AHS's Edmonton zone medical director.
“Our teams are working hard to balance patient care and service delivery with our available staff and physicians.”
AHS notes that similar closures have happened over the last three years, including the temporary closure of two ORs the last two summers and the closure of three ORs in 2018.
The health authority says the hospital remains open to patients.
"At a time when we should be ramping up surgeries to clear the back log, AHS is closing operating rooms because they don't have enough staff," said Opposition New Democrat Christina Gray, noting similar closures in facilities across the province.
"This is not business as usual," she said.
Last week, AHS said similar temporary closures of acute care beds and emergency departments were routine in summer months.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING Person on fire outside Trump's hush money trial rushed away on a stretcher
A person who was on fire in a park outside the New York courthouse where Donald Trump’s hush money trial is taking place has been rushed away on a stretcher.
Mandisa, Grammy award-winning 'American Idol' alum, dead at 47
Soulful gospel artist Mandisa, a Grammy-winning singer who got her start as a contestant on 'American Idol' in 2006, has died, according to a statement on her verified social media. She was 47.
She set out to find a husband in a year. Then she matched with a guy on a dating app on the other side of the world
Scottish comedian Samantha Hannah was working on a comedy show about finding a husband when Toby Hunter came into her life. What happened next surprised them both.
Senators reject field trip to African Lion Safari amid elephant bill study
The Senate legal affairs committee has rejected a motion calling for members to take a $50,000 field trip to the African Lion Safari in southern Ontario to see the zoo's elephant exhibit.
'It could be catastrophic': Woman says natural supplement contained hidden painkiller drug
A Manitoba woman thought she found a miracle natural supplement, but said a hidden ingredient wreaked havoc on her health.
Police in Paris detain a man wearing fake explosives vest at Iran's Consulate
A man wearing a fake explosive vest and making threats was detained Friday outside the Iranian Consulate in Paris after police locked down the area, authorities said. His motive was unclear.
DEVELOPING G7 warns of new sanctions against Iran as world reacts to apparent Israeli drone attack
Group of Seven foreign ministers warned of new sanctions against Iran on Friday for its drone and missile attack on Israel, and urged both sides to avoid an escalation of the conflict.
CFIA monitoring for avian flu in Canadian dairy cattle after U.S. discoveries
The Canadian Food Inspection Agency is encouraging veterinarians to keep an eye out for signs of avian influenza in dairy cattle following recent discoveries of cases of the disease in U.S. cow herds.
After hearing thousands of last words, this hospital chaplain has advice for the living
Hospital chaplain J.S. Park opens up about death, grief and hearing thousands of last words, and shares his advice for the living.