Western Hospital emergency department closed Sept. 15

A lack of staffing has forced the closure of the emergency department at Alberton's Western Hospital on Sunday, 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 Monday, Sept. 16.

It is the second hospital ER closure on the island this weekend caused by a lack of staffing. The ER at Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague was closed Saturday. It does not have regular hours Sundayand will reopen for regular hours on Monday, according to Health P.E.I.

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 health information should call 811 to speak to an experienced registered nurse for advice on the best course of action.