Almonte hospital emergency department closes overnight because of staff shortage

The 16-hour closure is to end at 7 a.m. on Sunday.

Published Nov 25, 2023 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 1 minute read

A 2020 file photo of the Almonte General Hospital. Photo by Jean Levac /POSTMEDIA NEWS

Citing a shortage of nursing staff, the Mississippi River Health Alliance closed the emergency department of Almonte General Hospital for a 16-hour period starting Saturday afternoon.

The department is scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m. on Sunday, an advisory issued Saturday said.

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The rest of the Almonte hospital remains open and is providing care for patients, the advisory added.

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“We know these closures are concerning for our community,” Mary Wilson Trider, president and CEO of the health alliance, said in the release. “Unfortunately, we are dealing with multiple sick leaves. We are in contact with Ontario Health East Ministry staff to discuss potential solutions.”

“Patient and staff safety is our main priority. The hospital applauds all the staff who have worked countless hours of overtime in their efforts to ensure the best care for our community. They have provided outstanding care throughout the pandemic and continue to work extremely hard.”

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Paramedics will take you to the nearest available emergency department for care, the release added.

The closest emergency departments to Almonte include: Carleton Place & District Memorial Hospital; Arnprior Regional Health; Perth & Smiths Falls District Hospital; and Queensway Carleton Hospital in Ottawa,

Patients can also call 8-1-1 for health advice or to chat with a Registered Nurse. Thie Health Connect Ontario program replaced Telehealth Ontario last year. Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Patients who are registered can also contact the East Region Virtual Care Clinic online at www.virtualcareontario.ca or toll-free at 1-888-684-1999.

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