Prairie Mountain Health region suspending, scaling back some ER services this summer

People in southwestern Manitoba are being warned that a number of Prairie Mountain Health emergency departments will scale back or suspend services during the summer amid staffing shortages and leaves.

The changes are a result of staffing shortages, staff leaves and vacations, the health authority said in a Thursday news release.

The following list of changes will be madeat hospitals this summer, Prairie Mountain Health said:

• Treherne: ER andhospital admissions temporarily suspended.
• Grandview: ER services availableMonday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.;overnight andweekend ER services temporarily suspended as ofJuly 8.
• Melita: ER and hospital admissionstemporarily suspended as of June30.
• Souris: ER services remain available 24 hours per day,exceptMondays and Wednesdays, when services will be suspended as of July 4.

Laboratory and diagnostic services remain unchanged at the above sites through summer.

The region suggests anyone seeking emergency services call their local health centre to find the nearest open ER. Up-to-date schedules are also available on the Prairie Mountain Health website.

The health authority "continues to work on the recruitment of physicians and other professional and skilled health-care staff," itsaid in its news release.

ERs have been temporarily closed or shiftedtourgent care facilitiesin somePrairie Mountain communitiesinpast years,due to staffing and servicing constraints.

At a meeting in May with community members in Grandview, the health authority saidit expected20 doctor vacancies in the region by the end of thesummer.

In its Thursday release, the health authority says it "will continue to work with communities to discuss how we can best work together to encourage people to live and work in our health region."