ER at St. Marys Memorial Hospital operates within reduced hours again

By Karis Mapp

For the second time this month, the Emergency Department at the St. Marys Memorial Hospital (SMMH) site of the Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) will be reducing operating hours due to a staffing shortage related to COVID-19.

The Emergency Department closed on Tuesday evening at 6 p.m. and will not reopen until Wednesday at 7 a.m. Moving forward, the department will operate from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. until April 22 at 7 a.m. 

The hospital's Emergency Department was in the same situation recently when the reduced hours were also implemented between April 9 and April 13 due to the same circumstances. 

The CEO and President of the hospital, Andrew Williams, recognizes that this temporary situation is not ideal but believes this is the best decision for now. 

“We regret being in this situation again, however the immediate staffing pressures resulting from our current COVID-19 outbreak make temporarily reducing hours the most responsible and safe decision,” said Williams. “No one likes a reactionary decision like this, most notably our health care team, but it is the right decision in light of these circumstances.”

In the announcement, residents were reminded that the closest Emergency Departments to St Marys are: Stratford General Hospital, University or Victoria Hospital in London, and Alexandra Hospital in Ingersoll. 

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Paramedics will get you to the nearest Emergency Department for care.
 

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