Which rural hospitals in Manitoba are reducing hours for the holidays?

Twenty-five emergency departments outside Winnipeg are expected to reduce hours or close during the holiday period.

How many rural hospitals in Manitoba will be open 24/7 during the holidays?

Only 18 out of 71 rural facilities outside Winnipeg are scheduled to operate 24/7 during the holidays.

What should Manitobans do if their local ER has reduced hours?

Manitobans should check specific operating hours online and consider family doctors or walk-in clinics for non-emergency care.

Home / Health / Manitoba Hospitals Cut Holiday Hours: Rural ERs Face Closures

Manitoba Hospitals Cut Holiday Hours: Rural ERs Face Closures

20 Dec

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Summary

25 rural Manitoba emergency rooms to reduce hours or close during holidays.
Only 18 of 71 rural facilities outside Winnipeg will operate 24/7.
Winnipeg hospitals and urgent care centers expected to be open 24/7.

Manitobans in rural areas are advised to check hospital hours as numerous emergency departments are slated to reduce services or close during the upcoming holidays. Doctors Manitoba reports that 25 emergency rooms outside of Winnipeg will operate with limited hours or experience periodic closures. This marks an increase from the previous year, with Tri-Lake Health Centre in Killarney now on a partial-hours schedule.

Out of 71 designated rural hospital facilities, only 18 are expected to remain open 24/7 throughout the holiday period. This situation is not new, as similar disruptions occur annually during December and summer. Dr. Nichelle Desilets highlighted that emergency rooms are unpredictable, and patients expect them to be consistently available when needed.

In contrast, all four emergency rooms and three urgent care centers within Winnipeg are scheduled to operate 24/7. However, Dr. Desilets cautioned that due to healthcare staff shortages, longer wait times are anticipated for those requiring emergency care. The public is encouraged to consult family doctors or walk-in clinics for non-emergency issues to prevent overburdening ERs.