Full Emergency Coverage Resumes in Mission, B.C.
SURREY, B.C. — Full emergency services have resumed at Mission Memorial Hospital, with 24/7 coverage reinstated as of 8:00 a.m. Monday, marking a return to normal operations following recent service disruptions tied to physician staffing shortages.
In a statement released by Fraser Health, officials confirmed that the hospital’s Emergency Department is now fully operational, restoring continuous access to urgent care for residents in the Mission community and surrounding areas.
The resumption of services comes amid ongoing efforts to stabilize staffing levels, particularly among emergency physicians, a challenge that has affected multiple health-care facilities across British Columbia in recent years.
Staffing Pressures Remain a Concern
Health officials acknowledged that maintaining consistent emergency coverage remains a priority, while also signalling that staffing gaps could continue to pose operational challenges.
“We recognize how important consistent access to emergency care is for the Mission community and we continue to work with the physician group to actively address physician staffing gaps as they arise to maintain service continuity.”
Despite the return to full service, Fraser Health cautioned that temporary adjustments may still be required in the future to ensure safe and predictable patient care delivery.
“We remain committed to open communication with the community as we continue to support patients and their families. While full Emergency Department services have resumed, future service adaptations may still be required to help ensure predictable, safe and high-quality patient care. If any changes are needed, we will communicate them to the community in advance.”
Encouraging Use of Alternative Care Options
Alongside the announcement, Fraser Health reiterated the importance of using appropriate health-care services to reduce unnecessary pressure on emergency departments.
Residents with non-urgent medical needs are encouraged to access alternative care pathways, including virtual consultations and urgent care centres.
Patients can contact Fraser Health Virtual Care by phone to speak with a registered nurse daily between 10:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Outside of those hours, individuals can call 8-1-1 to connect with a health service navigator or nurse.
For in-person care, the Mission Urgent and Primary Care Centre remains open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., including statutory holidays. The facility provides treatment for conditions such as minor injuries, fevers, burns, sprains, and other non-life-threatening issues that do not require emergency intervention.
Mental health support is also available through the Fraser Health Crisis Line, which operates 24 hours a day.
Community Appreciation and System Pressures
Fraser Health expressed appreciation for the community’s patience during the period of reduced service and recognized the efforts of frontline workers and emergency responders.
“We appreciate the community’s patience and support and thank our staff, medical staff and B.C. Emergency Health Services for their commitment to providing quality care.”
The restoration of services at Mission Memorial Hospital reflects broader system-wide efforts to address staffing shortages that have strained emergency departments across the province, particularly in smaller and rural communities.
About Fraser Health
Regional Health Authority Serving Diverse Communities
Fraser Health is one of British Columbia’s largest health authorities, serving a rapidly growing and diverse population across the Fraser Salish region.
The organization operates on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and serves 32 First Nations communities.
Fraser Health delivers hospital and community-based services through a workforce of more than 50,000 staff, medical professionals, and volunteers, supporting patients and families across a wide geographic area.
The authority continues to emphasize culturally appropriate care and engagement with Indigenous communities, while working to maintain service levels amid ongoing health system pressures.