The Alberta Children’s Hospital in Calgary will be setting up a trailer to be used when the emergency department experiences surges in patient volumes. .“The Alberta Children’s Hospital is adding additional waiting area space for periods when the ED is at capacity,” said Alberta Health Services (AHS) in a Saturday tweet. .“A heated trailer, located beside the ED, will be operational in early December.”.AHS said this additional space is “a comfort measure to help with crowding and weather conditions.” It said it will not be used as a primary treatment area. .AHS thanked the public for its patience and understanding as staff work to see and treat patients as efficiently as possible. .“No matter where patients are seen at the hospital site, they will always receive appropriate treatment,” it said. .The Alberta government started to deal with hospital overcrowding by beginning a flu awareness campaign on November 16. .READ MORE: Alberta prepares for severe flu season.“The annual influenza or flu season is here,” said Alberta Chief Medical Officer of Health Dr. Mark Joffe..“Albertans are encouraged to get their flu shots and take steps to help reduce the spread of influenza.”.Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and Alberta Health Minister Jason Copping fired the AHS Board of Directors on November 17. .READ MORE: Smith fires entire AHS board, brings in Cowell to whip health care into shape."We need a healthcare system that meets our growing demand and to take action to improve access,” said Smith. .As a first step in the AHS Reform Plan, Smith appointed former Health Quality Council of Alberta CEO Dr. John Cowell as an official administrator to replace the existing board of directors.
