Two prominent healthcare institutions in Edmonton — the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital — initiated lockdown measures earlier today after emergency protocols were activated due to an evolving security matter. This situation led to a shelter-in-place directive for personnel, patients, and visitors, disrupting standard hospital functions for several hours.
Hospital officials along with the Edmonton Police Service reported that the lockdown commenced shortly after indications of a concerning event on or around hospital grounds. Although officials have not disclosed specific information regarding the threat’s nature, referencing the ongoing inquiry, it was confirmed that the precautionary measures were taken with an emphasis on safety.
Both medical facilities swiftly activated their established emergency protocols. Entry points were secured, movement within the hospitals was limited, and employees were advised to stay within assigned safe locations. Despite routine operations being paused temporarily, emergency and critical care services persisted under heightened security precautions to ensure urgent patient care was maintained.
Given the close collaboration between the Royal Alexandra Hospital and the University of Alberta Hospital, both locations simultaneously issued a shelter-in-place order. Administrators reiterated that patient safety was their foremost concern throughout the incident.
“Our main priority remains the safety and health of our patients, staff, and visitors,” an official from the University of Alberta Hospital remarked. “We are in close collaboration with law enforcement as the situation continues to develop.”
The lockdown impacted multiple departments, leading to delays in elective surgeries, diagnostics, and planned appointments. Families of patients voiced increased worries as access to the patient wards was restricted, while hospital staff endeavored to maintain clear communication despite the operational challenges.
Observers via social media reported witnessing security teams securing hospital entrances, and EPS officers performing organized sweeps of sensitive locations. Police confirmed that officers are still on-site and actively looking into the suspicious occurrence.
Members of the community were urged to steer clear of the area unless absolutely essential. The EPS assured the community that the situation was contained within the hospital premises and posed no wider risk to the city.
Currently, officials plan to provide further updates later in the day as more details emerge and hospitals work towards reestablishing normal operations.
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