Fraser Health has announced a temporary service interruption at the Mission Memorial Hospital Emergency Department due to ongoing physician staffing shortages. The department will close from Friday, October 31 at 5:00 p.m. until Saturday, November 1 at 8:00 a.m., with limited on-site services maintained during that period.
The regional health authority said the interruption is necessary to ensure all patients currently in the emergency department can receive care before physicians end their shifts at 11:00 p.m. The decision follows a province-wide challenge in maintaining staffing levels in smaller hospitals, particularly in emergency care.
During the closure, emergency-trained nurses will remain on site to assist patients seeking basic care, redirect non-urgent cases, and coordinate transfers for those requiring higher-level treatment. Fraser Health emphasized that the measure is temporary and that efforts are underway to restore full physician coverage as quickly as possible.
“Fraser Health advises Mission and surrounding area residents that due to physician staffing challenges at Mission Memorial Hospital, we are implementing a temporary service interruption beginning Friday, October 31 at 5:00 p.m. to Saturday, November 1 at 8:00 a.m.,” the health authority said in a statement. “The service interruption will begin at 5:00 p.m. to ensure all patients already in the emergency department can be seen by a physician before they end their shift at 11:00 p.m.”
Coordination with Emergency Services
Fraser Health confirmed it is working closely with B.C. Emergency Health Services to ensure patients with life-threatening conditions are transported to the nearest available emergency department. Individuals experiencing chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding are advised to call 9-1-1 immediately for transfer to an appropriate facility.
“Fraser Health is working closely with B.C. Emergency Health Services to ensure patients requiring a high-level of care are directed or transferred to an appropriate hospital emergency service,” the release said.
The agency noted that this service interruption affects only the Emergency Department at Mission Memorial Hospital. All other hospital services — including inpatient care, diagnostic imaging, and outpatient programs — will remain fully operational.
Ongoing Pressure Across the Health System
Fraser Health acknowledged that other emergency departments within its network remain open but may experience longer wait times due to increased demand. The authority cited “high numbers of people seeking care and human resources challenges” as ongoing issues across multiple hospitals in the region.
The statement encouraged residents with non-urgent medical needs to explore alternative care options to help reduce pressure on emergency services. These include calling the Fraser Health Crisis Line (1-877-820-7444) or the Fraser Health Virtual Care line (1-800-314-0999), where registered nurses are available daily from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. For after-hours support, residents can contact 8-1-1 to reach a health service navigator or nurse.
“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,” 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.”
Local Impact and Broader Context
The temporary closure underscores the strain on emergency departments across British Columbia, as smaller communities grapple with staffing shortages amid increased patient volumes and workforce turnover. Health authorities across the province have faced similar challenges, particularly in rural and suburban regions where physician recruitment remains difficult.
Fraser Health serves more than 1.9 million residents across the Fraser Valley and Metro Vancouver regions, making it one of the largest health authorities in the province. Mission Memorial Hospital, though smaller in scale than regional centres like Abbotsford or Surrey Memorial, provides critical services to surrounding communities in the Fraser Valley.
While the interruption is short-term, local residents are urged to plan ahead for medical needs during the affected hours and to remain aware of alternative care options.
Commitment to Service and Acknowledgement
In closing its announcement, Fraser Health expressed appreciation to staff, medical personnel, and B.C. Emergency Health Services for their continued 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,” the statement said.
The health authority also reiterated its dedication to equitable and culturally safe care delivery across its service area.
“We recognize that Fraser Health provides care on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and is home to 32 First Nations within the Fraser Salish region,” the agency added. “Fraser Health is dedicated to serving all Indigenous peoples, and honours the unique cultures of the First Nations, Métis and Inuit living within the Fraser Salish region.”
Fraser Health operates with more than 50,000 staff, medical staff, and volunteers across hospitals, clinics, and community programs throughout the region.
