Reports have confirmed that at the end of the ongoing month, Alberta Health Services will be temporarily closing down the only short-stay crisis unit in Edmonton, at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The unit, which consists of a total of 8 beds, would essentially be closing down as the hospital's team of about 10 or 12 psychiatrists would be short by 2 members, as has been shared by Mark Snaterse, the Alberta Health Services Addiction and Mental Health Executive Director.

Some months ago, one of the psychiatrists retired, while another one is slated to retire by the end of the month, it has been officially announced.

"The closure is on a very temporary basis. We had to figure out a way to keep services going, but do it in such a way we'd be able to do it with the smaller number of psychiatrists we have", Mr. Snaterse said.

All those patients who normally underwent treatments at the short-stay division will now be treated in the hospital's emergency department or would be attended to at the acute care unit, depending upon their individual needs.

Psychiatrists involved with the short-stay crisis unit would now be working at other departments.