Mike Gallant, Chair of Kings Health Region Board, announced today that, due to physician vacations, 24-hour emergency room services at the Souris Hospital will be unavailable for 10 days.
“Effective 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 13 until 8 a.m. Friday, July 23, Souris Hospital will not offer emergency room coverage,” said Gallant. “Anyone requiring emergency medical attention should call 911, or access this care at either the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Charlottetown or the Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague.”
Kings County EMS Ambulance Service will station an ambulance at the Souris Hospital throughout the period of the temporary closure for emergency transport. The Souris Family Health Centre, located in the lower level, will continue to operate its normal daily clinics, but will not be able to offer evening appointments during this time. As in the past, patients are asked to book their appointments in advance.
Betty Fraser, Chief Executive Officer of Kings Health Region, cautioned health centre patients that the availability of appointments during regular hours will also be limited during this time due to the shortage.
“Staff in the health centre will do their best to accommodate the needs of patients,” Fraser said, “but with only one physician available, it is going to be a challenge.” Fraser praised the staff for their commitment to providing the best possible service at this time.
Physician shortages have resulted in difficulties ensuring 24-hour on call emergency coverage in the past. On occasion, Souris Hospital is reduced to one physician, which is the case at this time.
Fraser praised Dr. Steve O’Brien, Dr. Paul Berrow and Dr. Ralph September for their dedication and commitment to the residents of the Souris area.
“The physician shortage has often necessitated longer wait times for patients as well as added responsibilities for the physicians,” said Fraser. “We appreciate the work these three physicians have been doing, and we want to thank the people of Souris and surrounding areas for their patience and tolerance during this difficult situation.” “We have been very fortunate to secure locum coverage. Dr. September has been providing full-time locum coverage for the past year and Dr. Adel Nakhla has been providing consistent part-time coverage for the past year and a half. These physicians have been providing locum coverage to address physician shortages in the region; however, due to vacation schedules, additional physicians would be required in order to run the emergency department safely over this 10-day period.”
Fraser said Kings Region Health recognizes that the locum arrangement only partially meets the needs of the residents of the area, and that efforts are continuing to recruit permanent physicians.
The Kings Health Region has had several site visits with physicians who have expressed interest in relocating to Prince Edward Island.
“The decision to close emergency services was made only after all other options were exhausted,” said Fraser. “However, we will continue to seek locum coverage for the closure dates.”