A staff shortage has led to another temporary closure of the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre’s emergency department.
It will be closed from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, opening again on Tuesday at 8 a.m., Island Health said in a notice.
This is the latest of many closures on Cormorant Island and on northern Vancouver Island because of a lack of trained staff.
Anyone who has a medical emergency while the emergency department is closed should call 911, Island Health said in its notice.
Island Health and B.C. Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients are transported to an appropriate alternate site.
Do no go to Cormorant Island’s emergency department when it is closed because that will delay access to health care, the health authority said.
If you are unsure whether you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an emergency department, call Health Link B.C. by dialling 811. The toll-free service is available around the clock.
First Nations communities and individuals can also access the First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations virtual doctor of the day. The service is available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., seven days a week.
Indigenous people and their family members can call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment.
