Another hospital in the region is being forced into a weekend closure of its emergency department.
The Listowel Wingham Hospitals Alliance announced Thursday that the emergency department at the Wingham and District Hospital will be closed from 5 p.m. Saturday until 7 a.m. on Sunday.
The closure is the result of a staffing shortage, according to hospital officials.
"Patients are asked to call 911 if they have a medical emergency," a statement from the hosptal alliance said. "Emergency Medical Services will remain available to the community and will be re-routed to surrounding hospitals to ensure local residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need."
The nearest hospitals are in Listowel, Clinton, Goderich, Palmerton, Seaforth, Kincardine, and Walkerton.
The hospital alliance says this is a temporary measure.
"Our staff, board, physicians and leadership regret that we have to take this step," it said. "We are thankful for the support of our staff and physicians and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding during this time."
