Island Health is advising that due to a shortage of staff, the Port McNeill Hospital emergency department will be closed for three days.
The closure will begin May 13 at 7 a.m., then last until May 16 at 7 a.m.
During the closure, no new patients will be admitted to the hospital.
If anyone in the area is experiencing a medical emergency, they are advised to go to the Port Hardy Hospital.
According to Google Maps, the two hospitals are just under a 30 minute drive apart.
Island Health and BC Emergency Health Services have a plan in place to ensure patients are brought to the correct hospital.
If someone is unsure if they are experiencing a medical emergency, they are advised to call HealthLink BC at 811.
“Island Health continues to actively recruit to fill nursing vacancies in the region, including working with partners to utilize many levers to increase staffing levels in the interim. The staffing challenges experienced on the north island are not unique to that region, or even Island Health,” Island Health said in a statement.
“There is a national shortage of health care providers, affecting all provider groups including nursing. The effects of this national issue are amplified in rural and smaller programs and sites where baseline staffing numbers are lower.”
This is a developing story, more details will be added as they become available.
Laura Brougham
