CHESLEY – Less than a month after reintroducing 24/7 service at the Chesley hospital’s emergency department, South Bruce Grey Health Centre (SBGHC) has announced temporary closures this coming weekend “due to a number of unexpected staff absences.”
In a July 8 press release, hospital officials state the Chesley emergency department will be closed during the following times:
- Saturday, July 9 at 5 p.m. to Sunday, July 10 at 7 a.m.
- Sunday, July 10 at 5 p.m. to Monday, July 11 at 7 a.m.
“All efforts to find staffing for the emergency department have been undertaken without success,” states the release.
Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 911 to be taken to the nearest Emergency Department. For non-urgent health care needs, Health Connect Ontario is available 24/7 for non-emergency health-related questions by calling 811.
For those needing to visit an emergency department, the nearest are:
- Hanover (19km)
- Walkerton (25km)
- Durham (36km)
- Southampton (42km)
- Markdale (44km)
- Owen Sound (46km)
- Kincardine (60km)
- Mount Forest (60km)
- Palmerston (60km)
“We appreciate the patience and understanding of the community as we continue to experience significant staffing pressures. This is a temporary measure, and we regret that this step has to be taken,” states the release.
Hospital officials warned of potential temporary closures “if the health human resource situation deteriorated further” when the Chesley emergency department reopened last month.
