Due to limited staff availability Island Health is advising community residents and visitors to the area that the Cormorant Island Community Health Centre (CICHC) emergency department (ED) will be closed from 7 p.m. Tuesday, December 6 to 8 a.m. Thursday, December 8.
The CICHC ED will reopen at 8 a.m. on Thursday, December 8.
This is in addition to the previously announced overnight closure in effect until December 15.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency while the ED is closed should call 911. Do not go to the CICHC ED during the hours it is closed, as this will delay your access to care. Island Health and BC Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure patients are transported to an appropriate alternate site.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an emergency department, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free, 24/7 by calling HealthLink BC at 811.
First Nations communities and individuals can also access the First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day services from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Indigenous people and their family members can access the program to address their health and wellness needs. Please call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment.
Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service interruption.