Saanich Peninsula Hospital closed its emergency room Saturday night due to staff shortages, diverting all urgent cases to Victoria General and Royal Jubilee Hospitals.
In a statement on Sunday, Island Health said “a nurse staffing shortage” prompted the closure.
“Diversion is a last resort, and we try our very best to cover shifts, but there are times, despite these efforts, that these temporary shortages occur,” Island Health said in a statement.
“We understand the impact this had on area residents who may have required emergency services last evening, and we apologize for this temporary diversion.”
In a notice posted early Saturday evening, Island Health said the hospital wasn’t able to accept any patients in the emergency room until Sunday at 7 a.m.
Island Health directed anyone needing emergency medical attention to use Victoria General or Royal Jubilee, or to call 911.
The health agency also told patients who were not sure if their conditions warranted an emergency room visit, or needed health advice, to call HealthLink B.C. at 811. That service is staffed by nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day.
