'Numerous critical patients' force temporary closure of Western Hospital emergency

An emergency department at a hospital in western P.E.I. closed early Saturday after admitting "numerous critical patients," a Health P.E.I. spokesperson said.

Western Hospital in Alberton, about 125 kilometres northwest of Charlottetown, closed its emergency department around 3 p.m.

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"There are more than the normally expected number of critical patients being treated," the spokesperson said.

The number of in-patient beds and the small size of the hospital also played a role in the closure, they said, adding that staffing was at regular levels Saturday. 

The emergency department is due to reopen for regular hours Sunday at 8 a.m., according to a statement from the health authority.

Health P.E.I. advises anyone with emergency medical needs to 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 headaches or dizziness.
• An injury that 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.

If you have any health concerns or need immediate health information, call 811 to speak to a registered nurse.