Island Health is announcing the Port Hardy emergency department will have temporary closures, and the Chemainus Health Care Centre will have changes to its hours due to staff shortages.
The Port Hardy emergency department will close from 5 a.m. on Sept. 2 until 7 a.m. on Sept. 4.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency during this time is advised to go to the Port McNeill Hospital Emergency Department or call 911.
Island Health and BC Emergency Health Services will have protocols in place for patients who call 911.
People in need of non-urgent care can access walk-in clinic services at the Port Hardy Primary Health Care Centre (A’ekaḵila’as) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3. The clinic is located at 9140 Granville Street.
All other inpatient services will continue as normal at the hospital.
Urgent services at the Chemainus Health Care Centre will have changes to its hours throughout the month of September, as shown below.
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Laboratory and medical imaging services at the CHCC will continue as usual.
During the times that the CHCC is closed, people needing urgent care are advised to go to the Ladysmith Community Health Centre or Cowichan District Hospital.
Island Health says it is working to secure additional physician coverage so these hours may change.
"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," a statement says for both hours adjustments.
Laura Brougham
