Picture Butte Ambulatory Clinic continues temporary closures several months after opening

Posted on February 20, 2025 by Sunny South News

By Kristine Jean
Sunny South News

The Piyami Health Centre ambulatory clinic in Picture Butte continues to temporarily close its doors, due to unexpected clinical personnel shortage and an inability to secure coverage. 

The most recent closings came on Feb. 4 and Feb. 5,  with previous closure dates in recent weeks on Jan. 4, 8, 15 and 25.     

In all cases, the clinic re-opened following a one-day or two-day closure  with regular weeknight clinic hours from 5 to 10 p.m. and regular weekend clinic hours on Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The re-occurring closures was a topic of discussion at the Town of Picture Butte’s regular council meeting on Feb. 10, where it was suggested the town follow-up with Alberta Health Services regarding the ongoing situation.   

The non-urgent walk-in clinic offers care to people who need to see a doctor but not be seen in an emergency department. A recent Alberta Health Services (AHS) public service announcement directed residents to use the Coaldale Health Centre ambulatory clinic weeknights from 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., and on weekends from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the temporary closures.  

Residents can call Health Link at 811, which is available 24-hours-a-day, seven days a week for non-emergency health-related questions and patients seeking emergency care during the clinic closures can access the emergency department at Chinook Regional Hospital in Lethbridge. 

A spokesperson with AHS communications noted in an emailed statement that temporary closures of the Picture Butte Ambulatory Clinic occur only when physician or nursing coverage is unavailable despite extensive efforts to secure staff. 

“The clinic operates evenings and weekends for non-urgent care. During the day, patients have access to additional services at the Piyami Health Centre, including laboratory, diagnostic imaging, and public health services,” read the statement.  “When closures are necessary, neighbouring sites and EMS are notified. Residents can access equivalent care nearby at the Coaldale Ambulatory Clinic.” 

The statement also said that AHS maintains a rotation of 11 physicians who provide care in Picture Butte and continues working to recruit and retain healthcare providers across the province, particularly in rural areas.

The Picture Butte Ambulatory Clinic, operated by Alberta Health Services, opened in May 2024. Physicians offer a rotation of service to support the clinic at the after-hours clinic and a licensed practical nurse also provides care at the clinic.