'Numerous critical patients' force temporary closure of Western Hospital emergency
Alex MacIsaac | CBC News | Posted: October 28, 2023 8:57 PM | Last Updated: October 28, 2023
Department will reopen Sunday for regular hours, Health P.E.I. says
An emergency department at a hospital in western P.E.I. closed early Saturday after admitting "numerous critical patients," a Health P.E.I. spokesperson said.
Western Hospital in Alberton, about 125 kilometres northwest of Charlottetown, closed its emergency department around 3 p.m.
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"There are more than the normally expected number of critical patients being treated," the spokesperson said.
The number of in-patient beds and the small size of the hospital also played a role in the closure, they said, adding that staffing was at regular levels Saturday.
The emergency department is due to reopen for regular hours Sunday at 8 a.m., according to a statement from the health authority.
Health P.E.I. advises anyone with emergency medical needs to call 911 or seek emergency services when:
- Experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest.
- Experiencing unusual shortness of breath.
- Experiencing abdominal pain.
- Experiencing prolonged and persistent headaches or dizziness.
- An injury that may require stitches or involve a broken bone.
- A child has prolonged diarrhea or vomiting.
- A baby under six months of age has a fever of 38 C or higher.
If you have any health concerns or need immediate health information, call 811 to speak to a registered nurse.