There will be temporary emergency department closures this weekend at two north Vancouver Island hospitals due to staffing shortages.
Island Health announced Friday the shortage will affect emergency departments at Port McNeill Hospital and Port Hardy Hospital.
They say Port McNeill Hospital’s emergency department will be closed on Aug. 6 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Port Hardy Hospital’s emergency department will be closed from 7 p.m. Aug. 6 to 7 a.m. on Aug. 7.
Island Health says all other inpatient services will continue as normal at both hospitals. They add anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or proceed to the appropriate hospital.
The health authority says they have protocols in place so patients are transported to the appropriate site.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical emergency, Island Health says to call a registered nurse on HealthLink BC at 811.
