Fraser Health cites physician staffing challenges behind overnight closure
Fraser Health has announced a temporary interruption of emergency services at Mission Memorial Hospital due to ongoing physician staffing shortages, affecting residents in Mission and surrounding communities.
The interruption began Monday, May 25 at 5:00 p.m. and is scheduled to continue until Tuesday, May 26 at 8:00 a.m. Fraser Health said the decision was made to ensure that patients already receiving treatment in the emergency department could still be seen by a physician before the end of scheduled shifts at 11:00 p.m.
The temporary closure applies only to the hospital’s Emergency Department. Fraser Health confirmed that all other services at Mission Memorial Hospital remain operational during the disruption.
Emergency-trained nurses remain on site during interruption
During the service interruption, emergency-trained nurses will continue to staff the department to assist walk-in patients with basic medical care, patient assessments, and transfers to nearby hospitals if more urgent treatment is required.
Fraser Health stated that it is working closely with B.C. Emergency Health Services to coordinate patient transfers and ensure emergency cases are redirected appropriately.
“Anyone with a life-threatening emergency, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, should call 9-1-1 immediately and will be transported to the nearest available and appropriate facility,” the health authority said in its public advisory.
The authority emphasized that other Fraser Health emergency departments remain open with physicians on site. However, it warned that high patient volumes and staffing pressures across the region could result in longer wait times for individuals seeking treatment for non-urgent medical concerns.
Alternative care options promoted for non-urgent cases
Virtual and urgent care services available
Fraser Health encouraged residents with non-emergency health concerns to consider alternative healthcare services while the emergency department interruption is in effect.
Patients can access Fraser Health Virtual Care by phone between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily to speak with a registered nurse. Outside those hours, residents may contact the provincial 8-1-1 health service for medical guidance or nursing support.
The health authority also highlighted the availability of the Mission Urgent and Primary Care Centre, which operates daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including statutory holidays. The centre treats urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as minor cuts, burns, headaches, sprains and fevers that do not require emergency department services.
Mental health support services also remain available through the Fraser Health Crisis Line, which operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Health authority acknowledges community concerns
Recruitment efforts underway to stabilize services
Fraser Health acknowledged the impact that emergency department disruptions can have on the local community and said it is actively attempting to address physician shortages to avoid future interruptions.
“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,” the authority stated.
The organization added that recruitment efforts are ongoing in an attempt to strengthen staffing levels across the region’s healthcare system.
“We are continuing to make every effort to recruit more staff and prevent further service interruptions,” Fraser Health said.
The authority also committed to providing advance notice if additional service interruptions become necessary in the future, saying such communication is intended to help patients and families remain informed and prepared.
“We appreciate your patience and support and thank our staff, medical staff and B.C. Emergency Health Services staff for their commitment to providing quality care,” the statement added.
Fraser Health serves one of British Columbia’s fastest-growing regions
Fraser Health is one of British Columbia’s largest regional health authorities, providing hospital and community-based care across the Fraser Salish region.
The organization said its healthcare services are delivered by more than 50,000 staff, medical professionals and volunteers serving patients and communities throughout the region.
Fraser Health also acknowledged that its services are provided on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations, and noted that the region is home to 32 First Nations communities.