Mission Memorial Hospital ER to Close Overnight Again Due to Doctor Shortage

UPDATE: The emergency department at Mission Memorial Hospital will close overnight for the sixth time this year, as Fraser Health confirms a critical shortage of doctors. The ER will turn away new patients starting at 5 p.m. PT on November 9 and will remain closed until 8 a.m. PT on November 10.

This closure is a significant concern for residents, particularly as it coincides with an ongoing crisis in emergency healthcare access across British Columbia. The early cutoff is designed to ensure that all patients currently in the department are attended to before the last shift ends at 11 p.m. PT.

During this temporary shutdown, emergency-trained nurses will be available on-site to provide basic care and facilitate transfers to nearby hospitals for those with urgent needs. This is the latest symptom of a growing healthcare crisis, as the doctor shortage continues to plague the region, prompting calls for a public health emergency declaration in areas like Delta, home to approximately 110,000 residents.

Fraser Health has indicated this is not an isolated incident. The hospital’s ER has faced similar closures on multiple occasions this year, including on October 31, August 3, March 29, and February 15. Emergency room closures are becoming alarmingly common, with some areas reporting severe impacts on patients who rely on ER services as their only healthcare option.

As the situation escalates, one Delta city councillor has voiced urgent concerns, labeling the ongoing issue a “public health emergency.” Residents are increasingly anxious about their access to emergency care, with reports indicating a dramatic spike in patients leaving B.C. emergency rooms without receiving treatment.

Fraser Health reassures the community that while the emergency department is closed, all other services at Mission Memorial Hospital remain operational. The health authority warns, however, that high demand and staffing issues may lead to longer wait times for those seeking care for non-urgent matters.

“We recognize how important consistent access to emergency care is for the Mission community and we are actively working to address physician staffing gaps as they arise to maintain service continuity,” stated a Fraser Health representative.

Residents are urged to call 911 in the event of a medical emergency during the closure, ensuring they can be transported to an active emergency department.

This developing story highlights the urgent need for solutions to the physician shortage affecting healthcare access in British Columbia. As communities brace for the impact, the call for immediate action grows louder.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation evolves.