The Moncton Hospital (Photo TDCB)
A critical nursing staff shortage is reducing capacity of the emergency department at the Moncton Hospital this weekend.
Horizon Health officials are asking anyone with non-urgent symptoms to consider other options for care.
Dr. Angus MacDonald, head of Emergency Medicine, says other hospitals including the Georges-Dumont are facing the same problem.
“It’s not a new issue by any means but in the past few weekends and even on some days during the week, it’s become a more critical issue. It’s just part of an overall national problem or even global problem,” MacDonald notes.
The hospital’s executive director Nancy Parker says the coverage of shifts this weekend proved to be challenging.
“That could mean delays in wait times and ambulance offloads. But we want to make sure that people know that we are here to provide the care and if you have an emergency situation we are here to care for you,” says Parker.
If you aren’t able to see your family doctor, Horizon says after-hours clinics can often treat minor illnesses and ailments.
Officials suggest visiting the website, SoWhyWait.ca, or call TeleCare 811.
