July 21, 2022 - For immediate release
AIRDRIE, AB – This morning, Alberta Health Services (AHS) informed the City of Airdrie that the Urgent Care Centre (UCC) would be closing weekend nights starting July 22, 2022 for the next eight weeks. This closure leaves a city of 80,000 residents along with a catchment area including north Calgary, Crossfield and Rocky View County without access to urgent medical care within close proximity.
“This is completely unacceptable,” says Mayor Peter Brown. “We have been advocating to the Provincial Government for years for expanded health care services for our city, yet here we are moving backwards without 24-hour services, seven days a week for our residents and neighbouring communities.”
City Council has been advocating to the Province for expanded health services for Airdrie for over a decade through meetings with Health Ministers, Deputy Ministers and our local MLAs. There was some positive movement when the UCC went to a 24-hour model, but that movement has since stalled.
“I want to thank those health care professionals that do such great work in our community,” added Mayor Brown. “This certainly isn’t a reflection of the quality of care they provide; this is about Alberta Health Services and our provincial leaders not making health care a priority for Airdrie and the other municipalities affected by this physician shortage”.
As per the information provided by AHS, the closures will be in effect overnight from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays starting July 22 and lasting eight weeks.
Residents, businesses owners and everyone with concerns regarding access to health care services in Airdrie are strongly encouraged to advocate with us by reaching out to their designated MLA’s and Alberta’s Minister of Health, the Honourable Jason Copping.
Minister of Health
Honourable, Jason Copping
Health.Minister@gov.ab.ca
780.4273665
MLA Angela Pitt
Airdrie.East@assembly.ab.ca
403.948.8741
MLA Peter Guthrie
Airdrie.Cochrane@assembly.ab.ca
403.948.8741
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Media Contact
Jill Iverson
Corporate Communications
403.807.7550
jill.iverson@airdrie.ca