Northern Ont. hospital to close emergency department Sunday

CTV National News: Ont. health system in crisis A new study is sounding the alarm on the staffing shortage crisis putting workers and patients at risk in Ontario. Allison Bamford reports.

A physician shortage is again forcing the closure of the emergency department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network.

The ER will be closed most of Sunday, from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m.

Thessalon hospital emergency room Thessalon hospital emergency room. Sept. 11, 2024 (Cory Nordstrom/CTV Northern Ontario)

"The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care," the hospital said in a news release Saturday.

“Every effort will continue to be made.”

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 911, the hospital said. Ambulances will be re-routed either to the hospital's sites in Blind River Site or Richards Landing-Matthews, or to the Sault Area Hospital.

Access to services for non-emergent health advice or information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 811 or 1-866-797-007 toll-free. Individuals can also chat live with health advisers online.

"(We) would like to thank the community for your continued patience and understanding during this time as we work with our partners toward sustainable resources to serve your health-care needs," the release said.

“NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation.”

For more information, visit the North Shore Health Network’s website or social media page.