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Health Care
Ambulance & Emergencies: 911
Canadian Suicide Crisis Helpline: 988
Health Information, Alberta HealthLink: 811
Health Information: MyHealth.Alberta.ca
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Palliser Primary Care Network
Oyen Health Services encompasses Acute Care Continuing Care, 24 Hour Emergency Services, Community Care, Public Health, Dental, Optometry and other related services. We are very fortunate to be able to provide so many services locally.
BIG COUNTRY HOSPITAL
Webpage (Alberta Health Services)
312 – 3 Street East
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
Switchboard: 403-664-4300
Fax: 403-664-4325
Regular Hours: Mon-Fri, 8:00 am – 3:00 pm
Emergency Room Hours: 24/7/365
| Medicine | General Public: | 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
| Pediatrics | Parents anytime | |
| General Public: | 2:00 pm – 8:00 pm | |
| Maternity | Maternity Fathers: | 6:00 pm – 12:00 am |
| Grandparents, Siblings: | 1:00 pm – 8:00 pm | |
| General Public: | 4:00 pm – 8:00 pm |
Big Country Hospital has been serving the health needs of Oyen and the surrounding areas for many years. The facility has 10 acute care beds providing care to medical patients, pediatrics, low risk obstetrical patients, palliative care respite care as well as Rehabilitative Care. We have a 24/7 Emergency Department with access to high levels of care with ground ambulance and/or air services. The Out-Patient Department in conjunction with the Emergency provides minor surgical procedures, medical procedures and some nonemergent services are provided on an appointment basis. A physician is “on call” 24/7 for Emergencies.
Programs & Services
For details, see the Alberta Health Services Webpage, and scroll down to, and expand “Services Offered”
- 24 hours Emergency
- 10 Acute Care Beds
- 30 Continuing Care Services
- Palliative Care/Respite Care
- Nutrition Counselling – Adult and Pediatric
- Medical Laboratory Services
- General Radiography (X-Ray)
- Physiotherapy
- Pastoral Care Program
The ambulance service in Oyen serves the town of Oyen as well as Acadia Valley, Bindloss, Buffalo, Cereal, Chinook, Empress, Esther, New Brigden, Sedalia, Sibbald, Special Areas and all rural areas responding to about 200 calls per year. The ambulance staff also helps out at Oyen Big Country Hospital assisting with inpatients as well as outpatients. The service is very involved in the community, putting on such things as the teddy bear clinics for young children. We will do care seat inspections, and provide an ambulance for events in town such as rodeos and hockey games. We currently are a BLS services (Basic Life support) with access to ALS support but we are trying to recruit Paramedics so we can become an ALS service. Albert Health Services is interested in training community individuals who would like to be involved in EMS.
A modern medical laboratory with excellent equipment offers on-site analysis for a broad spectrum of tests. A number of large referral laboratories are utilized for many tests not available in Oyen.
Alberta Health Services: Laboratory Services at Big Country Hospital (Oyen, AB)
| Laboratory Hours of Operation: | |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday: | 8:00 am – 4:00 pm |
| Saturday: | 8:00 am – 3:00 pm |
| Closed Sundays and Statutory holidays. | |
| Appointments: | |
| You must make an appointment ahead of time for your laboratory tests, no walk-ins. |
|
| Online: | Alberta Precision Laboratories |
| Phone: | 1-877-702-4486 |
Diagnostic imaging equipment including a modernized PACS system is part of the refurbished digital Diagnostic Imaging Department at the Big Country Hospital. Some specialized ultrasound services are available through our local physicians. Referral arrangements for other diagnostic imaging services can be made through the medical clinic.
Alberta Health Services: General Radiography (X-Ray) at Big Country Hospital (Oyen, AB)
Phone: 403-664-4311
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday: | 8:15 am – 4:15 pm |
The Clinical Dietitian offers individual guidance and coaching for all aspects of nutrition and associated diseases on an outpatient and inpatient basis. The dietitian also teaches the nutrition component of diabetes education to outpatients. The dietitian also works in continuing care to assess and monitor the ongoing nutrition status of the residents.
Alberta Health Services: Physiotherapy at Big Country Hospital (Oyen, AB)
Phone: 403-664-4304
Physiotherapy Hospital Services provide prevention, evaluation and treatment of physical dysfunction resulting secondary to disease, disability or injury. It is based on the science of movement. Assessment by a physical therapist may include examination of posture, strength, flexibility, joint mobility, coordination, balance, cardiopulmonary status, gait, and pain, in addition to the functioning of the client.
Physical therapist available 2 days per week, assistant 4 days per week. Public may call about this service Tuesday through Friday during operating hours. Voice mail available. No weekend or after hours service available.
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Tuesday: | 8:30 am to 5:45 pm |
| Wednesday: | 7:00 am to 4:45 pm |
| Thursday: | 7:00 am to 4:45 pm |
| Friday: | 7:00 am to 12:45 pm |
Nutrition Counselling – Adult and Pediatric
Alberta Health Services: Nutrition Counselling at Big Country Hospital (Oyen, AB)
Phone: 403-528-5628
Call for information 8:00 am – 4:00 pm, M-F. Availability of dietitian appointments vary.
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Wednesday: | 8:00 am to 2:00 pm |
Websites:
Alberta Health Services: Continuing Care at Big Country Hospital (Oyen, AB)
Continuing Care at Primary Care Network Palliser
Phone: 403-664-4300
Continuing Care – Your family, Home Care Nurse, the Hospital and your Physician can make an application for admission on your behalf. After your application has been approved and a room is available, we ask you to make arrangements with the Nursing Supervisor for a suitable time and date for admission. If a room is not available, your name will be placed on a waiting list and you will be contacted as soon as one becomes available. In the continuing care unit there are both private and semi-private rooms. The account information is managed at the front office on the acute care unit. A comfort fund can be set up for incidental purchases and hairdressing. Services provided are: personal care, medications, flu/pneumococcal vaccine, doctor’s visits, management of life threatening illness, family conference, recreation programs, tuck shop, meal service, pastoral care, television, telephones, hairdressing services and laundry service.
OYEN MEDICAL CLINIC
Website (Primary Care Network Palliser)
315 3rd Avenue East
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
403-664-3577
Fax: 403-664-3323
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday: | 9:00 am – 12 Noon, 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Friday: | 9:00 am – 1:00 pm |
| Closed: | Statutory Holidays and weekends |
As well as our three doctors, Oyen Medical Clinic has one Registered Nurse and one Licensed Practice Nurse.
OYEN COMMUNITY HEALTH SERVICES / Centre
Website (Alberta Health Services)
314 3rd Avenue East
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
403-664-3651
Fax: 403-664-2934
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday: | 8:00 am – 12 Noon, 1:00 pm – 4:30 pm |
| Closed: | Statutory Holidays and weekends |
Researches, develops and delivers a wide variety of programs and services promoting good health and well being in our community, – anything from car seat safety, in school programs (such as health Services include: Advocacy for health improving changes in community, education for students, staff and community members, social marketing programs, marketing assistance for community partners fair days and drive to life) to senior’s wellness days. Education resources in a variety of formats.
The goal of Home Care programs in the Region is to assist Individuals to achieve and maintain optimal health, well being, and personal independence in their own homes, or supportive living environment. Services are provided to individuals of all ages. Any individual, with a demonstrated need, is eligible to receive Home Care services.
The programs work in partnership with the client, family, other health care professionals, and community agencies to provide clients with a consistent, comprehensive, client-centered approach to care. Services provided to clients include nursing services, early hospital discharge, palliative care, respite care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, respiratory therapy, social work and home nutrition services and coordination of meals on wheels. The program also administers the Alberta Aids to Daily Living program for the authorization of equipment and supplies, based on assessed support services (personal care), need.
Home Care programs are the single access point (coordinated access) for individuals seeking either community or facility based continuing care services. Home Care programs are responsible for assessment for continuing care and for coordinating with various interdisciplinary members (e.g. physicians) to complete the assessment before the client is approved for continuing care.
Immunization clinics are offered free of charge at all Community Health Centers throughout Palliser Health Region. The immunization schedule recommended by Alberta Health and Wellness is followed by Public Health Nurses to protect the health of all residents.
Alberta Health Services, Addiction and Mental Health (Oyen, Medicine Hat)
Counselling every Wednesday at Oyen Community Health Services building, 315 – 3 Avenue East, Oyen.
By appointment: 403-529-3500
Parenting Support Programs
Website (Primary Care Network Palliser)
Bridges Family Programs
Medicine Hat, Brooks, Bow Island, Oyen
Toll Free Number: 1-888-756-7473
Fax Number: 403-504-2459
Annual Mobile Mammography Clinic
Watch for date in local paper
OYEN & DISTRICT HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION
Website (Alberta Health Services)
Box 150
Oyen, Alberta
T0J 2J0
Phone: Hospital Switchboard 403-664-4300
E-mail: oyenhealthfoundation@outlook.com
The Health Foundation is committed to improving the quality of healthcare in the Oyen Big Country Hospital and through the local health programs by providing and updating equipment and necessary items unique to the needs of rural medicine.
The Foundation is a volunteer organization representing the large area/district surrounding the Big Country Hospital. Each member is a direct liaison to the area/district they represent and they speak to the variances and diversity of area needs. It is a charitable organization engaged in fundraising to support the ever rising costs of medical equipment. Official tax receipts are issued for all donations. 100% of the funds raised by the Health Foundation remain in the community. None of the donations are used in administration or for fundraising expenses. Donor information remains confidential at all times.
SPEECH, LANGUAGE & HEARING SERVICES
Infant, Preschool, School-age and Adult Services
Website (Primary Care Network Palliser)
Oyen (based out of Medicine Hat Regional Hospital)
Phone: 403-528-8175
Fax: 403-528-8190
Supports individuals with concerns in the areas of speech, language, reading, writing, voice disorders, stuttering and feeding/swallowing disorders.
Anyone can refer (community member or family member) for outpatient programs and swallowing concerns including bedside swallowing screenings at the hospital or mealtime observations in the office or home to assess feeding and swallowing.
OYEN DENTAL CLINIC
Dr. Rita Flynn
313 3 Avenue East
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
403-664-3774
Fax: 403-664-2845
Oyen is fortunate to have dental services within the Town to service our community. Dr. Rita Flynn splits her practice between Medicine Hat and Oyen.
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday | 8:30 am – 4:30 pm |
OYEN OPTOMETRY
Website
Dr. Jackie Hagens
103 1 Avenue West
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
Phone: 403-664-3300
Phone Toll Free: 1-866-664-3300
Fax: 403-664-2264
E-mail: tjniwa@netago.ca
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Monday: | 8:30 am – 7:00 pm |
| Tuesday: | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Wednesday: | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Thursday: | 8:30 am – 5:00 pm |
| Friday: | By appointment only |
| Saturday: | By appointment only |
| Sunday: | Closed |
We are pleased to provide comprehensive full scope eye care needs including contact lenses, sunglasses, same day eyeglasses on many prescriptions, ocular and health assessments as well as medical management related to the eye (i.e. eye disease and injury). Our office and staff stay up to date with the latest technology and equipment such as the OCT and Optimal.
EAST CENTRAL CHIROPRACTIC & REHAB
Website, Facebook
Dr. Craig Larson
103 2 Avenue East
Oyen, AB
Phone: 403-854-2110
E-mail: frontdesk@eccrehab.com
Oyen Hours: Wednesday, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm
OYEN PHARMACY / Value Drug Mart
Facebook Page, Company Webpage
101 1 Avenue East
Oyen, AB T0J 2J0
403-664-3732
Fax: 403-664-3171
| Hours of operation: | |
|---|---|
| Monday – Friday | 9:00 am – 5:30 pm |
| Saturday | 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm |
| Sunday | Closed |
MENTAL HEALTH
Canadian Suicide Crisis Helpline
Call or Text 988, Available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Talk Suicide Canada
Toll Free: 1-833-456-4566, Available 24 hours per day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year
Text: 45645, 4:00 pm – Midnight, Eastern Time (2:00 pm – 10:00 pm, Mountain Time)
Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line
24 hour, 7 day a week confidential service that provides support, information and referrals to Albertans experiencing mental health concerns.
1-877-303-2642 (Toll free within Alberta)
Alberta Health Services, Addiction and Mental Health (Oyen, Medicine Hat)
Counselling every Wednesday at Oyen Community Health Services building, 315 – 3 Avenue East, Oyen.
By appointment: 403-529-3500
GC Counselling Services (Oyen)
Gerry Congram: 403-664-9290
Tuesday & Thursday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
West Central Crisis & Family Support Centre (Saskatchewan, but serving our community)
Free Individual, Couples & Family Counselling
306-463-6655
Monday – Friday, 9:00 am – 6:00 pm (Saskatchewan Time)
Canadian Mental Health Association, Alberta Southeast Region, Medicine Hat
403-504-1811, aser@cmha-aser.ca
Monday – Friday, 8:15 am – 4:15 pm
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