If you have an emergency in Cochrane after 10 p.m., you local options are limited.
Despite Cochrane’s population growing by eight per cent last year reaching a total of 25,122 residents, the town does not have a 24-hour emergency care centre.
“We do meet regularly with the Alberta Health representatives and that is something we bring up every time,” said Ivan Brooker, Cochrane mayor.
“As of now we do not have 24 hour care but we are fortunate to have 24-hour services … and we continue to push to get different services for the community.”
While Cochrane is only 22 kilometres from Calgary’s city limits, the closest 24-hour emergency medical care centre is Foothills Medical Centre, which is approximately 32 kilometres via Highway 1A to Calgary’s 16th Avenue or 38 kilometres via Highway 22 to the Trans-Canada Highway.
The community currently has the Cochrane Community Health Care Centre with operating hours from 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., seven days a week including holidays – leaving a 10-hour window with no open health care centre.
“Alberta Health Services is constantly evaluating and evolving its programs to meet the needs of communities,” said Julie Kerr, senior operating officer, community, rural and mental health, Calgary Zone.
“AHS works closely with the Town of Cochrane, its local leaders, the Foothills Primary Care Network, community organizations and community members to plan for and deliver health services to the community.”
In emergency situations in Cochrane and surrounding area for after hours, residents can call emergency medical services at 9-1-1, or HEALTHLink Alberta, a call line that provides information on diseases, treatments and wellness at 866-403-5465 (LINK).
Town employees also encourage residents to call 2-1-1 for anything related to emotional or mental distress.
“We are growing but we don’t have everything the big cities have yet,” said Susan Flowers, Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) manager.
In severe emergency situations patients can be transported by ground ambulance to Cochrane Community Health Centre or airlifted to Foothills Medical Centre dependant on the time and situation.
“I’m not sure the reality is there that we would be a large enough community to have a 24 –hour centre … we are fortunate to have the emergency care that we do, a lot of communities our size don’t event have that,” Brooker said.
“We know it would be great to have a 24-hour centre and at night people do get sent into Calgary, it would be nice not to do that.”
In a research paper from the Society of Rural Physicians of Canada (SRPC) in 2009, the society made the argument that health care in rural communities should not be overlooked.
“This density coupled with the need to provide acute time sensitive interventions such as thrombolysis, attendance at birth, treatment of sepsis and trauma, indicate that health facilities need to be located near the people,” the research paper stated.
According to the Alberta Health Services website, The Cochrane Community Health Centre does offer urgent care services for people who have “unexpected but non-life threatening health concerns that usually require same-day treatment.”
“Emergency medical services for Cochrane and area are also provided by Alberta Health Services. Staff operate out of the Cochrane Protective Services Centre,” the Town website states.
The Cochrane Urgent Care Centre treats an average of 2,000 patients per month, according to Alberta Health Services.
“We will continue to request and push for the 24-hour centre,” Brooker said.
For more information go to albertahealthservices.ca
FACTBOX
The Cochrane Community Health Centre accepts health concerns including;
broken bones
sprains
lacerations
asthma
dehydration
pain and infections
