The overnight emergency services of the Saanich Peninsula Hospital (SPH) will be closed due to staffing shortages from July 7 to Sept. 4. from 10 p.m. to 7 a.m.
Temporary closing the department in the SPH is so residents can have access to the health-care services they need during daytime and early hours when the the hospital is the busiest, according to Island Health.
“We acknowledge this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for this temporary service reduction,” says Island Health vice-president of clinical services Central/South Island, Marko Peljhan, in a statement. “We are thankful and appreciative to the emergency department physicians, and all care providers, on the Saanich Peninsula and across the Island Health region for their tireless commitment to providing the best care possible to patients.”
The reduction in overnight service hours will ensure physician, nursing, laboratory, technicians and medical imaging staff are available during the hours of highest patient demand.
According to Island Health, on average between 10 p.m. and 7 a.m. approximately 11 people attend the SPH emergency department and an additional two people arrive via ambulance. Now during the overnight closures, ambulances will be diverted to Royal Jubilee Hospital or Victoria General Hospital.
Island Health says all other inpatient services will continue as normal at SPH and they’re continuing to work with all partners to recruit and support physicians and health care workers across our region.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency should call 911 or, if possible proceed to Royal Jubilee Hospital or Victoria General Hospital. Island Health and B.C. Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients are transported to the appropriate site.
Island Health advises that if individuals are unsure if they’re experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an emergency department, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free, 24/7 by call HealthLink B.C. at 811.
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