Delta Hospital ER closed overnight Saturday due to staffing shortage

Delta Hospital’s emergency room will be closed overnight Saturday due to physician staffing shortages.

In a release issued Saturday afternoon, Fraser Health said the temporary closure will begin at 6 p.m. and continue through to Sunday until 6:30 a.m.

“During the service interruption, emergency-trained nurses will continue to be on site and available to support walk-in patients needing basic care, assist with re-direction of care, and/or transfer patients with urgent needs to a neighbouring hospital,” the release said.

Anyone with a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, should call 9-1-1 immediately, and they will be transported to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

The disruption will only impact the emergency department, and all other services at the hospital will remain available overnight, Fraser Health said in the release. Due to the “human resource challenges” and large number of people seeking care, however, delays are to be expected.

People with non-urgent care concerns are advised to call the Fraser Health Crisis Line, available 24/7, at 1-877-820-7444, or call Fraser Health Virtual Care at 1-800-314-0999 to speak with a registered nurse from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week. Hose with non-urgent concerns can also call 8-1-1 outside of those hours to speak with a health service navigator or a registered nurse.