Limited hours set from March 14 to March 31 as recruitment efforts continue
SURREY, B.C. — The Emergency Department at Mission Memorial Hospital will temporarily operate on reduced hours from March 14 to March 31 as health officials work to stabilize physician staffing and maintain safe patient care.
During the temporary adjustment period, the department will be open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Health officials say the change is intended to ensure patients continue receiving reliable emergency services while staffing gaps are addressed.
Hospital administrators said the revised schedule reflects broader systemic pressures affecting health systems across the country, compounded by scheduling challenges during the spring break period. Officials noted that recruitment efforts are ongoing, with several physician candidates currently progressing through the hiring process and expected to strengthen coverage in the months ahead.
“This change will help ensure the community knows when and where emergency services are available as we continue our work to stabilize emergency physician coverage,” said Dr. Paul Theron, site medical director, Mission Memorial Hospital. “Having consistent and plannable hours allows us to provide reliable and safe, quality care to our patients while better supporting our hardworking emergency team. We thank the community for its patience and understanding us we work toward a long-term, sustainable solution.”
Health authorities emphasized that emergency care will remain accessible to residents in Mission and surrounding communities throughout the adjustment period. Outside the department’s operating hours, individuals experiencing a medical emergency are advised to call 9-1-1, where paramedics will assess patients and transport them to the most appropriate emergency department.
Officials added that after 5:00 p.m., emergency-trained nurses will continue to be present at Mission Memorial Hospital to assist walk-in patients requiring basic care. Staff will also help redirect patients to appropriate services or arrange transfers to nearby hospitals if urgent treatment is required.
For non-life-threatening medical concerns, residents are encouraged to access services at the community’s Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC), which recently expanded its availability to accommodate increased patient demand.
Hospital administrators say the temporary schedule change is part of a broader strategy to ensure safe and consistent emergency care during a period of staffing strain that has affected many health systems across Canada.
Municipal officials say they are closely working with provincial and regional health authorities to address the challenges.
“The level of communication and collaboration between the city, Fraser Health and the Ministry of Health has been remarkable as we try to work through the staffing challenges at our hospital,” said Mayor Paul Horn, City of Mission. “We have witnessed the extraordinary efforts being taken to cover shifts. Like everybody in our community, we hope to see our emergency room working at full capacity, but we recognize it will take some time for the investments in our hospital and recruiting to result in permanent staffing improvements. In the meantime, we are grateful that Fraser Health is doing everything it can to keep the hospital open as much as possible and to give people alternatives such as urgent care.”
Health officials said the schedule change is temporary and reflects ongoing efforts to maintain service levels during a period of national workforce shortages affecting emergency medicine.
Authorities also highlighted long-term investments underway at the hospital aimed at strengthening its ability to recruit and retain medical professionals.
Construction has begun to expand and modernize the hospital’s Emergency Department, with upgrades designed to improve patient care spaces, enhance workflow, and modernize equipment. The improvements are expected to create a more efficient clinical environment and improve the overall patient experience.
Officials say updated facilities are also an important component of recruitment efforts, providing healthcare professionals with improved infrastructure and modern tools needed to deliver care.
By bringing the emergency department up to current standards, the hospital hopes to make Mission a more attractive workplace for emergency physicians at various stages of their careers.
Health authorities said they will continue monitoring staffing levels and will communicate with the community in advance if additional service adjustments become necessary.
In the meantime, officials say their priority remains ensuring residents and families have safe and dependable access to emergency care while recruitment efforts move forward.