The local hospital emergency room in Mindemoya, on Manitoulin Island, will not be closing on October 9, 2023 after all.
It was previously announced in mid-September that administration at the Manitoulin Health Centre had decided the ER would need to close. The health centre provides two Emergency Rooms on the island, one in Mindemoya and the other in Little Current. An email sent out by Paula Ferguson, the Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at the health centre, said the planned closure was cancelled.
"The Emergency Department will remain open on October 9th for 24/7 care" said the email.
The email directed readers to the health centre website, for more information.
On a Q-and-A page on the website, the question was asked why this the closure was considered in the first place.
The website said there were three reasons:
-Physician shortage (The Mindemoya site is at 63 per cent of capacity for physicians).
-Shortage of Locums provincially (temporary replacement physicians).
-Distance and time for locums to travel (Manitoulin Island).
Another question asked why local nurses cannot keep the Emergency Room open.
"Nurses can provide basic first aid services only. They require a physician to be available to provide orders for things such as medications, tests, and interventions, as per practice regulations and hospital legislation," said the website.
Another question asked the hospital what to do if the ER does shut down.
"People with emergent health problems should call 911 and request Paramedic Services. You may be transported to the nearest available hospital Emergency Department to receive treatment.
"You may choose to travel to the next closest Emergency Department, which is in Little Current.
"For less emergent health problems, call the Health Connect Ontario by dialing 811.
"Contact your family doctor’s office to see if appointments are available.
