Accessing health advice just got simpler in Alberta

It’s now easier to access medical advice than ever before in Alberta, thanks to a new number for the Alberta Health Services’ Health Link.

Albertans can now dial 811 instead of the regular 10 digit local numbers or the province-wide toll-free number to access free health information and advice, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“Health Link is an invaluable service that gives Albertans across the province telephone access to registered nurses and other health professionals,” said the Honourable Sarah Hoffman, Minister of Health and Minister of Seniors in a release. “By changing Health Link’s number to 811, access to experienced, responsive health advice will be even easier. This is the kind of universal, accessible, public health care delivery that Albertans expect and depend on.”

The service helped more than one million residents in the province in 2014, avoiding unnecessary trips to the emergency room as a result.

The AHS says that of those who called with a medical concern, nearly half were given enough advice to allow them to care for themselves at home, 36 percent were directed to their doctor or the nearest walk in clinic, and 16 percent advised to go to the emergency department.

“We are very pleased to be able to offer 811 dialling for Health Link,” said Vickie Kaminski, Alberta Health Services President and CEO in a release. “We know this service has a huge impact on improving the health of Albertans. Health Link provides caring and trusted advice, connecting people to the right care by the right provider at right time and place. It also helps reduce pressures on other parts of the health system, such as emergency departments.”

By calling 811, Health Link staff provides advice and navigation services via telephone free of charge as well as online through MyHealth.Alberta.ca.

With the addition of the dedicated line, Alberta joins several other provinces in Canada, including B.C. and Saskatchewan, creating constituency for those travelling to and from neighbouring provinces.

In a medical emergency, Albertans should continue to dial 911 or visit the nearest emergency department.