The emergency department at a North Island hospital has once again closed unexpectedly because of a lack of staff.
In a statement issued Sunday after the closure had already begun, Island Health said Port McNeill Hospital’s emergency room would be closed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. that day “due to limited staffing availability.”
All other inpatient services at the hospital will continue as normal, the health authority said, adding that those in need of emergency care should call 911 or, if possible, travel to Port Hardy Hospital.
“Island Health and BC Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients are transported to the appropriate site,” the health authority’s statement reads.
