A shortage of nursing staff means the emergency department at the Cormorant Island Health Centre in Alert Bay will be closed from 7 p.m. to 8 a.m. for two weeks starting Tuesday.
Anyone in the area with a medical emergency during the closure period, which continues until Aug. 16, is instructed to call 911.
“Island Health and B.C. Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients are transported to an appropriate alternate site,” said an Island Health notice.
The health centre will continue to be open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Island Health said it is working to secure additional nursing coverage to resume 24-hour, seven-day emergency-department services.
“Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service reduction.”
In the South Island, urgent-care hours at the Chemainus Health Care Centre have been reduced in August, with full closures on Aug. 3, 10, 15, 20, 27 and 28.
Patients in need of urgent care during those times are asked to go to the Ladysmith Community Health Centre, which is 15 kilometres away, or Cowichan District Hospital, which is 20 kilometres away.
Island Health said it will beef up resources at the two facilities during times when the Chemainus Health Care Centre is closed.
The health authority said it is working to secure doctors for the month and hours may change as a result. For up to date information, residents and visitors can call 250-737-2040 ext. 42227.
Earlier this month, staffing shortages led to temporarily reduced operating hours at emergency departments in Port McNeill and Port Hardy.
