The Drumheller Hospital and Care Centre will temporarily be unable to support obstetrical patients beginning December 25, until December 26 at 3 p.m., due to staffing challenges.

According to a press release AHS is not aware of any current obstetrical patients due during this time, however, should any labouring obstetrical patients arrive at the site, they will be assessed as appropriate and redirected to Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. EMS teams will be engaged if required.

This is a temporary measure, only. Alberta Health Services is working hard to ensure local residents continue to have access to the care they need during this time, and to keep all other services at the site operating as normal. Inpatient units are not impacted.

Residents are reminded to call Health Link at 811, which is available 24/7, for non-emergency, health-related questions.

AHS would like to thank the community for their patience and understanding during this time. AHS is thankful for the support of surrounding healthcare centres and medical staff as well to help ensure that those who need care continue to have access to it, even if that requires getting that care at a neighbouring community.

Drumheller Salvation Army is ready to help families in need celebrate Christmas with aisles of toys for all ages and food hampers. Salvation Army Family Services coordinator Amanda Courtenay tells the Mail some 156 families have registered for the Salvation Army Christmas Hamper, which includes 160 children and teens. The shelves were filled in part from donations received by Cervus Equipment and the Westergard Ford Toy Drive. (l-r) Salvation Army Majors Robert and Laura Burrell, Westergard Ford sales associate Jerry Ferguson and finance manager Tiffany Andrew, and Salvation Army Family Services coordinator Amanda Courtenay.