SLMHC at ‘high risk of experiencing isolated Emergency Department closures’

Tim Brody - Editor

“Sioux Lookout Meno Ya Win Health Centre (SLMHC), alongside community and healthcare partners, is pursuing all possible options to keep services undisrupted in the midst of physician and staffing shortages. SLMHC has been working with external supports to find physician coverages to avert service disruptions and potential closures,” SLMHC shared in a media release issued on June 30.
SLMHC went on to state, “The impacts of staffing and physician shortages have been evident across Northwestern Ontario. Short-term solutions have been put in place at SLMHC by way of physician coverages, but SLMHC remains at high risk of experiencing isolated Emergency Department closures.”
SLMHC said that while the risk of isolated Emergency Department closures remains, “SLMHC is dedicated to seeking appropriate solutions and maintaining communication with our entire service area. 
“In the event of an isolated closure, SLMHC will provide detailed information to our service population that will outline the length of the closure and how people can access crucial care services.”
SLMHC said it is, “thankful for the support and collaboration of external partners, both locally and across the province, who have helped us keep our Emergency Department open up to this point.” 
“We’re thankful for the dedication of our staff and partners, who have worked hard to make sure we’ve had no closures to date. We remain focused on seeking long-term, sustainable solutions to ensure everyone in our service area has access to necessary healthcare resources,” said Douglas Semple, SLMHC President and CEO.”