Fraser Health cites physician staffing shortages behind overnight closure
Emergency-trained nurses to remain on site during interruption
Fraser Health has announced a temporary overnight service interruption at the Emergency Department of Mission Memorial Hospital, citing ongoing physician staffing challenges affecting the facility.
The interruption is scheduled to begin Sunday, May 31 at 5:00 p.m. and continue until Monday, June 1 at 8:00 a.m. According to Fraser Health, the early start time was chosen to allow physicians currently on shift sufficient time to assess and treat patients already in the emergency department before their scheduled departure at 11:00 p.m.
Despite the temporary disruption, emergency-trained nurses will remain at the hospital throughout the closure period to assist walk-in patients requiring basic medical care, help redirect individuals to appropriate services, and coordinate transfers for patients with urgent needs to neighbouring hospitals.
Fraser Health said it is working in coordination with B.C. Emergency Health Services to ensure patients requiring emergency care are transported or redirected to facilities capable of providing the necessary treatment.
“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 stated.
Hospital services remain operational outside emergency department
Non-emergency care options highlighted for residents
The temporary interruption affects only the Emergency Department at Mission Memorial Hospital. Fraser Health confirmed that all other hospital services will continue operating as usual.
The announcement comes amid broader pressures facing emergency departments across British Columbia, including staffing shortages and increased patient volumes. Fraser Health acknowledged that similar challenges across its network may contribute to longer wait times for patients seeking treatment for non-urgent concerns at other emergency facilities.
“All other Fraser Health Emergency Departments remain open and have emergency physicians on site; however, high numbers of people seeking care and human resources challenges at many of our hospital emergency departments may lead to longer wait times for patients with non-urgent care concerns,” the statement said.
To reduce pressure on emergency departments, Fraser Health encouraged residents with non-urgent medical concerns to use alternative care services available in the region.
Residents can contact Fraser Health Virtual Care at 1-800-314-0999 between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. daily to speak with a registered nurse. Outside those hours, patients may call 8-1-1 for assistance from a health service navigator or nurse.
Fraser Health also pointed residents toward the Mission Urgent and Primary Care Centre, which operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., including statutory holidays. The centre provides treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as fevers, minor cuts requiring stitches, headaches, earaches, burns, and sprains.
Mental health support services also remain available through the Fraser Health Crisis Line, which operates around the clock at 1-877-820-7444.
Health authority says recruitment efforts continue
Fraser Health pledges advance notice if future disruptions occur
Fraser Health acknowledged the impact temporary emergency department closures can have on the Mission community and said it continues to work toward stabilizing physician staffing levels to prevent 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 health authority stated.
Officials added that recruitment efforts remain ongoing in an attempt to strengthen staffing capacity and reduce the likelihood of additional service disruptions.
“We are continuing to make every effort to recruit more staff and prevent further service interruptions,” Fraser Health said. “Should further service interruptions become necessary, we will communicate this to the community in advance to support our patients and their families in feeling informed and prepared.”
The health authority also thanked frontline workers and emergency response staff for maintaining patient care during the temporary closure.
“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.”