It’s business as usual in the Emergency Room of Souris Hospital, Mike Gallant, Chair of Kings Health Region Board, announced today.
Earlier this week, the health region issued a statement to notify area residents of a 10 day closure of the Emergency Room brought about by physicians’ vacation schedules. Gallant said that, at the last minute, an arrangement was worked out with two locum physicians and one permanent doctor that provides enough coverage to safely keep the department open 24 hours a day.
Betty Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Kings Health Region, said she is pleased that the additional physicians were able to offer their services, but noted that this is a short-term solution.
“We had worked out a good contingency plan for the 10 days,” Fraser said, “but this is obviously a better option than closing the Emergency Room. There may be other occasions when we will have to put that plan into action.”
The change also means that Eastern Kings Family Health Centre will now be able to offer evening appointments as usual.