The emergency department closures at Saanich Peninsula Hospital will continue indefinitely.
Although it announced on July 6 that the emergency department would be temporarily closed throughout the summer, Island Health announced today (Sept. 5) that it is extending the temporary overnight closures at SPH indefinitely from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. due to ongoing emergency recruitment challenges.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency within that time frame should call 911 or proceed, if possible, to Royal Jubilee Hospital or Victoria General Hospital, Island Health said in a statement. Island Health and BC Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients are transported to the appropriate hospital.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an emergency department, confidential health advice from a registered nurse is available toll-free 24 hours a day, seven days a week by calling HealthLink at 811.
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“Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service disruption while we continue recruitment efforts and explore care models to strengthen, extend and support our care providers,” the statement noted.
Before the closure, approximately 13 people arrive on average at SPH’s emergency department between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m., with two arriving by ambluance.
According to Island Health, Royal Jubilee and Victoria General hospitals have seen an average of less than three patients each night who live on the Saanich Peninsula during the closure hours.
A spokesperson for Island Health was unable to provide an estimate of how long the closures will stay in effect at this time.