Staffing shortages are forcing another local hospital to temporarily close its emergency department.
The Wingham and District Hospital will close its emergency department on Saturday at 3 p.m. and will reopen it Sunday at 7 a.m.
In the case of a medical emergency, patients are asked to call 911 as Emergency Medical Services (EMS - Ambulances) will remain available. Paramedics will be re-routing to surrounding hospitals.
Listowel, Clinton, and Goderich are among the nearby medical centres. However, the Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance noted that these hospitals' emergency department may also be closed due to staffing shortages, so it's best to confirm that they are open before heading there.
"This is a temporary measure and our staff, board, physicians and leadership regret that we have to take this step," the hospital alliance said in a statement. "We are thankful for the support of our staff and physicians and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this time."
