Northern Ont. hospital to close emergency department for Christmas and Boxing Day
A physician shortage is again forcing the closure of the emergency department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network.
Thessalon Hospital. Dec. 14/21 (Mike McDonald/CTV Northern Ontario)
The ER will be closed for 48 hours on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, closing from 8 a.m. on Dec. 25 and reopening at 8 a.m. on Dec. 27.
The emergency department will only be reopened for 24 hours before the staffing shortage closes it again at 8 a.m. on Saturday Dec. 28 until Sunday morning at 8 a.m.
"The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care," the hospital said in a news release Saturday.
“Every effort will continue to be made.”
Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 911, the hospital said. Ambulances will be re-routed either to the hospital's sites in Blind River or Richards Landing-Matthews, or to the Sault Area Hospital.
Non-emergencyhealth advice and information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 811 or 1-866-797-007 toll-free. Individuals can also chat live with health advisers online.
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"(We) would like to thank the community for your continued patience and understanding during this time as we work with our partners toward sustainable resources to serve your health-care needs," the release said.
“NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation.”
For more information, visit the North Shore Health Network’s website or social media page.
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