Fraser Health Introduces Scheduled Service Changes at Mission Emergency Department
SURREY, B.C. – Fraser Health has announced temporary overnight service interruptions at the Emergency Department of Mission Memorial Hospital as the health authority works to address ongoing physician staffing challenges affecting emergency care coverage.
The temporary closures will affect overnight emergency services on selected dates in August and September, with interruptions scheduled from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. on specific nights. Fraser Health said the measure is necessary to ensure patient safety while physician staffing levels are addressed.
The service interruptions are scheduled for:
- August 7, August 8 and August 9 (Friday through Sunday nights)
- Friday, August 14
- Sunday, August 16
- August 21, August 22 and August 23 (Friday through Sunday nights)
- August 28, August 29 and August 30 (Friday through Sunday nights)
- September 4, September 5 and September 6 (Friday through Sunday nights)
- September 12 and September 13 (Saturday and Sunday nights)
Emergency Department Operations to Resume Each Morning
Patients Already Receiving Care Will Continue to Be Supported
Fraser Health said the interruptions will begin at 5:00 p.m. to allow all patients already receiving treatment in the Emergency Department to be assessed by a physician before the end of the physician shift at 11:00 p.m.
The Emergency Department will reopen at 8:00 a.m. following each overnight interruption period.
“During the service interruptions, emergency-trained nurses will continue to be on site and available to support walk-in patients needing basic care, assist with re-direction of care, and/or transfer patients with urgent needs to a neighbouring hospital,” Fraser Health said.
The health authority added that it is working with B.C. Emergency Health Services to ensure patients requiring advanced emergency care are transferred or directed to appropriate hospital facilities.
Residents experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies, including chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, are advised to call 9-1-1 immediately for transportation to the nearest available and appropriate emergency facility.
Fraser Health Provides Alternative Care Options During Interruptions
Residents Encouraged to Use Non-Emergency Health Services When Appropriate
The temporary interruptions apply only to the Mission Memorial Hospital Emergency Department. Fraser Health confirmed that all other hospital services at the facility will remain available.
Other Fraser Health Emergency Departments continue to operate with emergency physicians on site. However, the health authority warned that high patient volumes and workforce challenges across emergency departments may result in longer wait times for individuals seeking care for non-urgent concerns.
To reduce pressure on emergency services, Fraser Health is encouraging residents with non-emergency health needs to consider alternative care options.
Residents can contact Fraser Health Virtual Care at 1-800-314-0999 to speak with a registered nurse from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., seven days a week. Outside those hours, people can call 8-1-1 to connect with a health service navigator or registered nurse.
The Mission Urgent and Primary Care Centre remains available daily from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., including statutory holidays, for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as fever, minor cuts requiring stitches, burns, headaches, earaches and sprains.
Fraser Health also reminded residents that its Crisis Line remains available 24/7 at 1-877-820-7444.
Health Authority Working to Address Staffing Gaps and Expand Emergency Facilities
Recruitment Efforts Underway as Emergency Department Expansion Continues
Fraser Health acknowledged the importance of reliable emergency access for the Mission community and said it is actively working to fill physician vacancies.
“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, and we have several physician candidates currently moving through the hiring process. Should further service interruptions become necessary, we will communicate to the community in advance to support our patients and their families in feeling informed and prepared.”
The health authority also highlighted ongoing construction to expand and modernize the Emergency Department at Mission Memorial Hospital. The project remains on schedule, with the upgraded facility expected to open in spring 2027.
Fraser Health said the improvements will provide staff and medical professionals with updated facilities and modern equipment, helping improve recruitment and retention efforts.
“By bringing the Emergency Department up to today’s standards, Mission becomes a more appealing place for emergency physicians to work at every stage of their careers,” Fraser Health said.
Fraser Health Thanks Staff and Community for Support
Fraser Health thanked healthcare workers, medical staff and emergency service partners for their continued commitment to patient care during the temporary changes.
The health authority operates hospital and community-based services supported by more than 50,000 staff, medical staff and volunteers serving patients, families and communities across the region. It also recognizes that its services are delivered on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and remains committed to serving Indigenous peoples throughout the Fraser Salish region.