Staffing Shortages Could Lead to Temporary Emergency Department Closures
Date: June 29, 2023
Quinte Health is warning that critical staffing shortages may result in temporary, short-term closures of some emergency departments this summer, with North Hastings Hospital in Bancroft facing the greatest risk.
In a community update, Quinte Health President and CEO Stacey Daub and Chief of Staff Dr. Colin MacPherson outlined the growing challenges caused by a shortage of emergency department physicians. While all four emergency departments remained open throughout last summer, officials say maintaining that level of service will be increasingly difficult in the months ahead.
Hospital leadership says every effort is being made to keep emergency departments operating, but closures may be unavoidable at times. Should that occur, Quinte Health says it will notify partner organizations and the public as early as possible.
Increased patient demand combined with staffing limitations continues to strain the hospital system. Quinte Health is currently operating roughly 100 more beds than it did four years ago, adding further pressure on health-care teams. Officials note that physician shortages will also contribute to longer wait times, as fewer patients can be safely treated when staffing levels are reduced.
Daub emphasized that the situation is not unique to Quinte Health, describing it as a system-wide issue affecting hospitals across the province. She stressed that the challenges do not reflect a lack of effort or commitment from front-line staff, but rather ongoing strain within the broader health-care system.
Hospital leaders also pointed to demographic and regional factors contributing to higher demand, including an aging population, higher rates of chronic illness such as COPD and congestive heart failure, and limited access to primary care, home care, and long-term care services. Emergency departments in the region are used at a rate approximately 1.5 times higher than the provincial average.
Quinte Health hospitals continue to fill gaps in community care due to these shortages, while working with partners, including the Hastings Prince Edward Ontario Health Team, to build additional capacity.
Officials say staff across the hospital system continue to demonstrate resilience and dedication despite the challenges. Quinte Health is asking residents for patience, understanding, and support as teams work to provide care during a period of increased demand and limited staffing resources.
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