Mission Memorial temporarily suspends emergency services again

MISSION — Fraser Health has announced another temporary service disruption at the Mission Memorial Hospital due to doctor shortages.

From 6:30 p.m. Saturday, March 29, to 8:00 a.m. Sunday, March 30, the hospital’s Emergency Department will be closed to ensure all patients already in the E.R. can be seen by a physician before shifts end at 11:00 p.m.

Emergency-trained nurses will then be on-site to re-direct care, transfer patients with urgent needs to a neighbouring hospital, and/or support walk-ins who need basic first aid.

Anyone with a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain or severe bleeding, should call 9-1-1 immediately.

Fraser Health says area residents can still contact health care professionals from Fraser Health Virtual Care at 1-800-314-0999 to speak with a registered nurse from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Residents can also call 8-1-1 outside of those hours to speak with a health service navigator or a registered nurse.

This is now the second time Mission Memorial has had to suspend emergency services.