Grey Bruce Health Services President and CEO Gary Sims says, local hospitals are facing emergency department staffing pressures that could force the closure of rural ERs.
“Heading into summer after a very challenging two years, it is becoming increasingly difficult to cover all of the open shifts, especially when this situation is happening in so many rural hospitals across the province,” says Sims.
A release from the hospital organization says many hospitals across Ontario are experiencing staffing shortages, and the availability of emergency department physicians is causing concern locally at Grey Bruce Health Services (GBHS) hospitals.
All six GBHS hospitals have 24/7 emergency departments and for every 24 hour period, the corporation needs 15 physicians to staff those emergency departments. GBHS operates hospitals in Owen Sound, Meaford, Markdale, Lion’s Head, Wiarton and Southampton.
The release says, GBHS hospitals have a roster of local physicians who fill the shifts, and are increasingly relying on physicians travelling here from outside the area to keep the emergency departments open 24/7.
The hospital organization says nursing shortages are also causing pressures across many GBHS departments and hospitals.
They note, emergency departments at other hospitals, including Huron Perth and South Bruce Grey Health Centre, have experienced overnight closures in recent years due to a lack of nursing staff.
GBHS says its rural hospitals typically see a very small number of patients between the hours of 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Sims says, “Regardless of how few people come to the emergency department in the middle of the night, no one wants to close,” adding, “Our nurses and doctors are doing a tremendous job, and temporary service reductions are something we would only do as a last resort. Right now, we are putting contingency plans in place in case a last minute shift cannot be filled.”
Those contingency plans include enhanced recruitment efforts and working with Grey County and Bruce County Paramedics as well as Ornge air ambulance to prepare for diversion should one of the emergency departments need to reduce its hours.
GBHS says an extensive communications plan has also been developed to ensure the public is notified. They say, when possible, notification of a temporary closure will be provided 48 hours in advance through radio, newspapers, social media, and signage in the impacted area.
In emergency situations, GBHS is reminding the public to call 911, as ambulances will always transport patients to the best location for care.