Island Health is warning that Port McNeill Hospital’s emergency department will be closed over the weekend.
This is the seventh time the hospital has had closures or service reductions so far this year, as the department faces staffing shortages.
The department will close at 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 until 7 a.m. Sept. 18 due to a staff shortage.
All other inpatient services will continue as normal at the hospital.
If someone is experiencing a medical emergency, Island Health recommends calling 911 where there are protocols in place for the person to be brought to an open hospital, or proceed to the Port Hardy Hospital if possible.
If you’re uncertain if the symptoms are a medical emergency, the 811 hotline is available for information.
“Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service interruption,” Island Health says in a news release.
Recently, mayors in rural B.C. communities called on the province to fix staffing shortages at hospitals, as rural hospitals are often required to close.
