Fraser Health Announces Planned Emergency Department Interruptions Through Early July
SURREY, B.C. — Fraser Health has announced a series of temporary service interruptions at the Emergency Department of Mission Memorial Hospital, citing ongoing physician staffing challenges that have left several emergency physician shifts unfilled over the coming weeks.
The planned disruptions will affect emergency department operations during specific evening and overnight periods between June 20 and July 5. Health officials said the temporary closures are necessary to ensure patient safety while the health authority continues efforts to recruit and retain emergency physicians.
The scheduled service interruptions are as follows:
- June 20 at 5:00 p.m. to June 21 at 8:00 a.m.
- June 23 at 5:00 p.m. to June 24 at 8:00 a.m.
- June 24 at 5:00 p.m. to June 25 at 8:00 a.m.
- June 27 at 5:00 p.m. to June 28 at 8:00 a.m.
- June 28 at 5:00 p.m. to June 29 at 8:00 a.m.
- June 30 at 5:00 p.m. to July 1 at 8:00 a.m.
- July 3 at 5:00 p.m. to July 4 at 8:00 a.m.
- July 4 at 5:00 p.m. to July 5 at 8:00 a.m.
Fraser Health noted that there are currently no additional vacant physician shifts scheduled in July beyond the dates already identified.
Patient Care Measures to Remain in Place During Closures
According to the health authority, the service interruptions will begin at 5 p.m. on each affected day, allowing physicians sufficient time to assess and treat patients already present in the emergency department before their shifts conclude at 11 p.m.
Although emergency physician services will be unavailable during the interruptions, emergency-trained nurses will continue to staff the site. These nurses will provide basic care, assess patient needs, assist with redirection to appropriate health-care services, and coordinate transfers for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Fraser Health said it is working closely with B.C. Emergency Health Services to ensure patients needing emergency treatment are directed or transported to neighbouring hospitals capable of providing the required level of care.
Residents experiencing life-threatening emergencies are being advised to call 9-1-1 immediately. Conditions such as chest pain, severe bleeding, stroke symptoms, or difficulty breathing will continue to be prioritized and patients will be transported to the nearest available and appropriate emergency facility.
Hospital Services Outside the Emergency Department Remain Unaffected
Health officials emphasized that the temporary interruptions apply only to the Emergency Department. All other hospital services at Mission Memorial Hospital will continue operating as normal throughout the affected periods.
The announcement comes as health systems across British Columbia and other parts of Canada continue to face staffing pressures, particularly in emergency medicine and rural or community-based hospitals.
Fraser Health also noted that while emergency departments throughout its regional network remain open and staffed by emergency physicians, patients may encounter longer wait times due to high patient volumes and broader human resource challenges affecting health-care facilities.
Residents Encouraged to Use Alternative Care Options
To help preserve emergency department capacity for patients with urgent and life-threatening conditions, Fraser Health is encouraging residents to make use of available non-emergency health services when appropriate.
Patients with non-urgent concerns can contact Fraser Health Virtual Care at 1-800-314-0999 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily to speak with a registered nurse. Outside those hours, residents may call 8-1-1 to connect with a health service navigator or registered nurse.
The Mission Urgent and Primary Care Centre will also remain available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, including statutory holidays. The centre treats urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as fevers, minor cuts requiring stitches, burns, headaches, earaches and sprains.
Mental health support services remain accessible through the Fraser Health Crisis Line, which operates 24 hours a day at 1-877-820-7444.
Health Authority Continues Recruitment Efforts
Fraser Health acknowledged the impact the service interruptions may have on local residents and said maintaining reliable emergency care remains a priority.
“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. We are continuing to make every effort to recruit more staff and prevent further service interruptions. 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 expressed appreciation to frontline health-care workers and emergency responders for their ongoing efforts during a challenging period.
“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.”
Fraser Health serves communities across the Fraser Salish region through a network of hospitals, community health services and specialized care programs supported by more than 50,000 staff, medical professionals and volunteers.