Port Hardy’s emergency department closed Tuesday for a second night in a row due to a staffing shortage.
Island Health advised community residents and visitors to the area Tuesday that the Port Hardy Hospital emergency department would be closed temporarily from 7 p.m. Oct. 4 to 7 a.m. Oct. 5 due to limited staff. The health authority issued the same advisory Monday evening.
“Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service interruption,” said Island Health in a news release.
Unplanned rotating closures at Port McNeill and Port Hardy emergency rooms on weekends began in the spring and escalated in frequency.
Despite the temporary ER closure, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at Port Hardy Hospital, said Island Health.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or, if possible, go to Port McNeill Hospital’s emergency department, about a 30-minute drive.
Island Health and B.C Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients who call 911 are transported to the appropriate site, said the health authority.
Those unsure if their situation warrants a visit to an emergency department, a registered nurse is available toll free, 24-hours a day any day of the week by calling HealthLink BC at 811.
