For the fourth month in a row, a physician shortage is resulting in urgent care at the Chemainus Health Care Centre limiting its hours throughout November, and overnight closures at Cormorant Island Community Health Centre will be extended.
There are seven days in November that Chemainus urgent care will operate as normal, but every other day will see adjusted hours.
Laboratory and medical imaging services will continue as normal.
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During the hours the centre is closed, Island Health advises patients to go to Ladysmith Community Health Centre or Cowichan District Hospital.
"Island Health is continuing work to secure additional physician coverage for November, which may result in adjustments to CHCC urgent care hours of operation," Island Health said in an email statement. "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."
For Cormorant Island, the emergency department will be closed nightly from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. until at least Nov. 15.
"Island Health continues to work diligently on recruitment and strategies to secure additional nursing coverage, with the goal of resuming 24/7 ED services at the CICHC as quickly as possible," Island Health said in an email statement.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency is advised to call 911, or to head to the nearest emergency department if possible. If someone is uncertain if they are experiencing a medical emergency, they can call 811 to speak with a registered nurse for advice.
This is the fourth month in a row the Chemainus Health Care Centre has operated on adjusted hours. Island Health previously had to adjust the urgent care's operating hours in August, September, and October.
Laura Brougham
