Physician shortage means another temporary closure at Thessalon ER

Staffing challenges continue to impact operations at the health centre in Thessalon, which has announced it will need to close its emergency department again for a full day later this week.

The North Shore Health Network says the emergency department at its Thessalon site will be temporarily closing for a 24-hour period due to "physician shortages".

The ER will be closed from 8 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 13 and will reopen on Saturday, Sept. 14 at 8 a.m., the NSHN said in a news release.

"The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care," it said in a news release.

"Every effort will continue to be made and NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation."

The health network said anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 911.

Ambulances will be re-routed to one of the following: NSHN Blind River Site, NSHN Richards Landing-Matthews Site, or Sault Area Hospital.

The closest emergency departments to the Thessalon Site are:

• Blind River Site – North Shore Health Network – 525 Causley St., Blind River
• Richards Landing Site – North Shore Health Network – 1180 Richards St., Richards Landing
• Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie

Access to services for non-emergent health advice or information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 811. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-007.

NSHN said you can also start a live chat with an advisor online at: https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.

"NSHN would like to thank the community for your continued patience and understanding during this time as we work with our partners toward sustainable resources to serve your healthcare needs," the health network said.

For further information visit www.nshn.care or on Facebook at “North Shore Health Network.”