Alberta Health Services (AHS) has paused respite admissions at Rotary Flames House (RFH) in Calgary and will be redeploying staff to support patients at the Alberta Children’s Hospital (ACH). .“With respiratory viruses surging in the community, ACH is experiencing sustained high volumes of acutely ill patients requiring care in our Emergency Department, Pediatric Intensive Care, and Inpatient Units,” said AHS in a Friday statement. .The statement said AHS will be working with families using respite services at RFH over the coming days, with the goal of having all clients discharged by Tuesday. It said all other services and palliative and end of life care will be relocated to ACH. .AHS said grief support will continue. It said it understands this pause in respite services “may be concerning and difficult for our clients and families.”.“We will do our best to resume this important service as soon as possible,” it said. .“These are extraordinary times, and we thank Albertans in advance for their support and understanding.”.Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley said it “should not have come to this.”.“We should be properly funding public healthcare,” said Notley. .“This is the health of children — what could be more important?”.AHS announced on November 26 ACH would be setting up a trailer to be used when the emergency department experiences surges in patient volumes. .READ MORE: Alberta Children’s Hospital opens trailer to treat patients amid overcrowding.“The Alberta Children’s Hospital is adding additional waiting area space for periods when the ED is at capacity,” said AHS. .“A heated trailer, located beside the ED, will be operational in early December.”
