Western Hospital emergency department closing early Wednesday

A lack of staffing has caused the early closure of the emergency department at Alberton's Western Hospital on Wednesday, Health P.E.I. said in a news release.

The ER in the western Prince Edward Island community will reopen for its regular hours, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., on Thursday, Oct. 10.

The health agency said people with emergency medical needs should 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 headache or dizziness.
• An injury 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.

Anyone with health concerns or who needs immediate information should call 811 to speak to an experienced registered nurse for advice on the best course of action.