Fraser Health implements overnight service interruption due to physician shortages
SURREY, B.C. — Fraser Health has announced a temporary interruption of emergency department services at Mission Memorial Hospital, citing ongoing physician staffing challenges that continue to affect health-care operations across British Columbia.
The interruption began Sunday, June 7, at 5:00 p.m. and is scheduled to continue until Monday, June 8, at 8:00 a.m. Health officials said the early start to the closure was intended to ensure all patients already in the emergency department could be assessed by a physician before scheduled shifts ended later in the evening.
The temporary closure affects only the emergency department at Mission Memorial Hospital. Fraser Health confirmed that all other hospital services remain fully operational.
During the service interruption, emergency-trained nurses will remain on site to assist walk-in patients requiring basic care, provide guidance on appropriate treatment options and coordinate transfers for patients requiring urgent medical attention.
Fraser Health coordinates regional emergency response
Fraser Health said it is working closely with B.C. Emergency Health Services to ensure patients needing emergency treatment are redirected or transported to nearby hospitals with available physician coverage.
Anyone experiencing life-threatening conditions, including chest pain, breathing difficulties or severe bleeding, is being urged to call 9-1-1 immediately.
The health authority emphasized that emergency departments throughout the Fraser Health region remain open and continue to have physicians on site. However, officials acknowledged that ongoing staffing shortages and elevated patient volumes across several hospitals may contribute to longer wait times for individuals with non-urgent medical concerns.
The temporary closure underscores the broader workforce pressures facing many Canadian health-care systems, particularly in emergency medicine and rural or regional hospitals where physician recruitment and retention remain ongoing challenges.
Non-emergency care options promoted during service disruption
To help reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments, Fraser Health encouraged residents to use alternative care services for non-urgent health concerns.
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 can call 8-1-1 to connect with a health service navigator or registered nurse.
Fraser Health also highlighted the availability of the Mission Urgent and Primary Care Centre, which operates daily from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., including statutory holidays. The facility provides treatment for urgent but non-life-threatening conditions such as minor cuts, fevers, burns, headaches, earaches and sprains.
Mental health support services also remain available through the Fraser Health Crisis Line, which operates 24 hours a day at 1-877-820-7444.
Health authority cites recruitment efforts to maintain continuity of care
Fraser Health acknowledged the impact temporary service interruptions can have on residents and said efforts are continuing to stabilize staffing levels and maintain reliable emergency care services in the region.
“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 in its statement.
“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 thanked front-line health-care workers, emergency responders and support staff for continuing to provide patient care during periods of operational strain.
“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 one of Canada’s fastest-growing regions
Fraser Health is one of British Columbia’s largest health authorities and provides hospital and community-based health services across the Fraser Salish region.
The organization stated that it recognizes care is delivered on the traditional, ancestral and unceded lands of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations and serves 32 First Nations communities within the region.
According to Fraser Health, its operations are supported by more than 50,000 staff members, medical professionals and volunteers working across hospitals, clinics and community programs.
The temporary emergency department closure at Mission Memorial Hospital reflects ongoing concerns across Canada’s health-care sector surrounding physician shortages, growing patient demand and operational sustainability, particularly in emergency medicine services.