Ste. Anne Hospital trimming Emergency Department hours and suspending obstetrics

Southern Health says a physician shortage is resulting in major changes at Ste. Anne Hospital.

Beginning this Friday, the Emergency Department will only be open from 8 am to 4 pm, seven days per week. The Emergency Department is currently open from 8 am to 8 pm, seven days per week. And they are suspending obstetrical services at the hospital for approximately six months.

Southern Health says Ste. Anne Hospital is currently experiencing a temporary physician shortage and these service changes will allow the regional health authority to continue to provide health care services to the community during this time. 

According to Southern Health, the fastest way to get help for a medical emergency is to dial 911. It says that emergency response services and inter-facility transfer services will be available to ensure residents in the community and surrounding area will continue to get the care they need when they need it. While the service change is in effect, patients with higher acuity needs will be temporarily directed to the appropriate setting for the care they need. 

The regional health authority says primary care services continue to be available at the Centre médical Seine. Limited same-day appointments may be available with your health care provider on Monday to Friday from 8 am to 6 pm (excluding Statutory holidays) to address non-life-threatening health concerns. 

Southern Health says they continue to work very closely with provincial partners to help return to a full-time Emergency Department. It asks residents to only use the Emergency Department for the purpose it was designed for, which is to manage acute and serious health care needs. All less serious health care needs should be addressed through the primary care clinic (Centre médical Seine), or other primary care clinics in the surrounding area. 

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