Western Hospital emergency department reducing hours this weekend

The emergency department will only be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday due to a lack of staffing. (Brian Higgins/CBC - image credit)
The emergency department will only be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday to Sunday due to a lack of staffing. (Brian Higgins/CBC - image credit)

Health P.E.I. is advising Islanders that Western Hospital in Alberton will operate its emergency department on reduced hours this weekend.

From Friday, Aug. 2 through until Sunday, Aug. 4, the emergency department will only be open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. due to a lack of staffing.

Western Hospital's emergency room is typically open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and it will return to those hours on Monday, Aug. 5.

During the reduced hours, anyone with emergency medical needs such as tightness in the chest, broken bones, or a suspected stroke is still asked to call 9-1-1 or seek emergency services.

Islanders with other health concerns or those seeking health information are asked to call 8-1-1 to speak to an experienced registered nurse.