The Saanich Peninsula Hospital will see overnight emergency department closures over the weekend due to staffing shortages, according to Island Health.
The health authority published a news release Friday (June 23) announcing the temporary service interruption, and said it is due to limited staffing availability.
On Friday and Saturday, the ER will be closed from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. However, all other inpatient services will continue as normal.
The ER will be open from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. as usual on both days.
According to Island Health, anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or, if possible, proceed to Royal Jubilee Hospital or Victoria General Hospital. The health authority and BC Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients are transported to the appropriate site.
Anyone unsure if they are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an emergency department should seek confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse by calling HealthLink BC at 811.
“Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service reduction,” read the release.
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