The Chesley Hospital’s Emergency Department will be closed overnight this weekend.
A release from the South Bruce Grey Health Centre says due to a number of unexpected staff shortages the ER will be closed on Friday and Saturday night.
The release says “All efforts to find staffing for the Emergency Department have been undertaken without success.”
The Chesley Hospital Emergency Department it will be closed from 5 p.m. on Friday, August 12th to 7 a.m. on Saturday, August 13th.
It will also be closed from 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 13th to 7 a.m. on Sunday, August 14th.
They say ambulance by-pass will begin at 1700 to divert patients to the nearest open ED.
The Chesley ER has been closed before due to staffing issues. A critical nursing staff shortage forced South Bruce Grey Health Centre to close the emergency department at the Chesley Hospital overnight in September 2019, shifting hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. It had resumed 24 hour operation back on June 15th.
Staffing shortages, which have been an issue across the province, were made worse by the pandemic.
Meanwhile, SBGHC says anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 911 to be taken to the nearest Emergency Department. For non-urgent health care needs, Health Connect Ontario is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions by calling 811.
The South Bruce Grey Health Centre says, the closest Emergency Departments to the Chesley Hospital are:
Hanover (19km)
Walkerton (25km)
Durham (36km)
Southampton (42km)
Markdale (44km)
Owen Sound (46km)
Kincardine (60km)
Mount Forest (60km)
Palmerston (60km)
The South Bruce Grey Health Centre says, “We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community as we continue to experience significant staffing pressures.”
