(Photo by Jordan MacKinnon for BlackburnNews.com)(Photo by Jordan MacKinnon for BlackburnNews.com)
Midwestern

SBGHC announces Durham ER closure Saturday

South Bruce Grey Health Centre said it is shutting down its Durham Emergency Department again on Saturday because of a staff shortage.

The ER at the Durham site closed from 5 p.m. on Friday until 7 a.m. on Saturday.

It will close again from 5 p.m. on Saturday until 7 a.m. on Sunday in a second consecutive overnight shutdown.

Ambulances will be diverted to the next nearest emergency department.

The closest ERs to the Durham Hospital are Hanover which is 20 km away, and Mount Forest, 25 km from Durham.

Markdale and Walkerton ERs are 28 km from Durham Hospital, and the Owen Sound and Palmerston Hospitals are 46 km away.

"All efforts to find staffing for the emergency department have been undertaken without success," said a statement from SBGHC.

"Those requiring immediate medical attention should call 911 to be taken to the nearest Emergency Department. For non-urgent health care needs, Health Connect Ontario is available 24-7 for non-emergency health-related questions by calling 811," the statement continued.

On Thursday, SBGHC announced the Chesley Hospital Emergency Department is resuming weekday service.

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