With the Lloydminster Hospital largely reducing services at this time, where a Lloydminster resident receives hospital care depends on where they live in the city.
The hospital was recently closed for non-COVID related patients due to an outbreak of COVID-19 there. While it will still be open for COVID-19 patients, emergency medical, emergency surgical services and obstetrical services, other patients will be redirected to facilities in the area.
In an emailed statement to MyLloydminsterNow, Saskatchewan Health Authority spokesperson Doug Dahl says Saskatchewan residents of the city will be re-directed to other Saskatchewan-based hospitals.
This means facilities in Turtleford, Unity, Maidstone, North Battleford and Meadow Lake depending on which facility can best serve their need.
Alberta residents of the city needing inpatient services will likely be redirected to Wainwright, Provost, Vermilion, Vegreville and Camrose, again depending on need and capacity.
In a public email from Alberta Health Services, Wainwright Area Manager Jamie Malone says that these AHS facilities currently have the capacity to take on the re-directed non-COVID patients.
Patients needing the highest level of care will continue to be transferred to suitable hospitals in Saskatoon or Edmonton, depending on what the patient needs, and where they live.
SHA and AHS are in regular contact and will update the situation should it be needed.