Norfolk General Hospital’s emergency department is temporarily closed.
Effective immediately, patients will not be seen and ambulances will be diverted to other hospitals, say officials. This measure is in effect until 7 p.m. Monday.
The “temporary reduction of service” is due to COVID-related illnesses, said a media release.
“Ambulances have been notified of the temporary reduction of service at NGH during these hours and will take patients directly to the closest area hospital emergency department to ensure residents continue to have access to the emergency services they need,” said the release.
Those requiring emergency treatment should call 911.
Those needing ‘urgent’ treatment should go to West Haldimand General Hospital, 75 Parkview Road in Hagersville or Brantford General Hospital, 200 Terrace Hill Street, Brantford, said the release.
“It is important to recognize the hard work and dedication of all of our healthcare providers, many of whom provide coverage in a number of services over and above the emergency department, including busy family practices, hospital inpatients, long-term care homes, etc .,” said Todd Stepanuik, NGH president and CEO, said in the release. “This temporary reduction of hours in the emergency department is weighing heavily on our exhausted emergency department teams.”