Western Hospital emergency closed Friday

·1 min read
The emergency department will reopen Saturday morning. (Brian Higgins/CBC - image credit)
The emergency department will reopen Saturday morning. (Brian Higgins/CBC - image credit)

A shortage of doctors has closed the emergency department at Western Hospital in Alberton, P.E.I., Friday.

The department will not open as scheduled at 8 a.m. Friday. The collaborative emergency centre will also be closed. Both will reopen Saturday at 8 a.m.

Western Hospital is also dealing with a COVID-19 outbreak that has closed the inpatient unit to most new admissions.

Anyone with emergency medical needs should call 9-1-1 or seek emergency services when

  • experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest.

  • experiencing unusual shortness of breath.

  • experiencing abdominal pain.

  • experiencing prolonged and persistent headache or dizziness.

  • an injury may require stitches or involve a broken bone.

  • a child has prolonged diarrhea or vomiting.

  • a baby under six months of age has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.

Islanders are advised to call 811 to speak to an experienced registered nurse for advice on any potential emergency health concerns.

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