Ambulances to stop bringing most critically ill patients to Concordia, as part of transition from ER

Winnipeg's ambulance protocols will change next month, as Concordia Hospital's emergency room begins its transitioninto a walk-in clinic, which is expected to be completed by next summer.

Starting Dec. 10, ambulances transportingthe most critically ill patients will be diverted away from Concordia, the Winnipeg Regional Health Authoritysaid in a Friday news release. Those patients will instead betaken to other facilities including the Health Sciences Centre, St. Boniface Hospital and Grace Hospital.

Patients in very serious condition will also be routed away from Concordia between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m., the health authority said.

The Concordia Hospital emergency department will remain open 24/7 to provide critical emergency services to patients who are nottransported by ambulance.

The health authority said the changes will not lead to any layoffs or a reduction in hours for staff.

They're part of the second phase ofthe Progressive Conservative government's sweeping changes to health care in the province, which will see the emergency rooms atConcordia and Seven Oaksshut down by next summer.

• Full coverage of Manitoba health care cuts and changes

Concordia'semergency room will be replaced by awalk-in connected care clinic, while the ER at Seven Oaks will become an urgent care centre.

"We remain grateful to our amazing staff for their professionalism, flexibility and dedication to our patients during this transition period," said Valerie Wiebe, CEO of Concordia Hospital, in a written release.