The emergency department at Saanich Peninsula Hospital will close overnight for two months, according to Island Health.
The closures are due to limited staffing ability, and Island Health says it is focusing its staffing during the daytime and early evening, when the hospital is busiest.
The emergency department will close daily starting at 10 p.m. then reopen the next day at 7 a.m. from July 7 to Sept. 4.
“We acknowledge this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for this temporary service reduction,” said Marko Peljhan, Island Health vice president of Clinical Services Central/South Island and Provincial Programs.
“We are thankful and appreciative to the emergency department physicians, and all care providers, on the Saanich Peninsula and across the Island Health region for their tireless commitment to providing the best care possible to patients.”
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911, and BC Emergency Health Services has plans to bring the person to an open emergency department. Alternatively, if possible the person should go to the Royal Jubilee Hospital or the Victoria General Hospital.
During the emergency room closures, all other inpatient services will continue as normal.
“Island Health continues to work with all partners to recruit and support physicians and health care workers across our region,” the health authority says in a news release.
Laura Brougham
