Doctors Manitoba warns of unstable rural ER operations this summer

Doctors Manitoba says many rural hospitals in the province will not have their emergency rooms open 24/7 this summer.

Doctors Manitoba is advising the public of unstable emergency room operations across rural parts of the province this summer.

Doctors Manitoba said that 24 emergency rooms are expected to operate with reduced hours or periodic closures, with 28 emergency rooms expected to be fully closed.

“This isn’t a new problem. It’s been building for many years, but the prolonged uncertainty and short staffing is taking a toll,” said Dr. Nichelle Desilets, president of Doctors Manitoba.

The organization representing over 4,000 physicians from across the province said emergency rooms “often experience increased instability” during summer months.

This may include longer wait times, partial closures, reduced hours of operation and sometimes full suspensions of service.

Desilets said that emergency room hours can change unpredictably, including on a day-to-day basis in some cases.

“Our hope is that continued recruitment and retention of doctors, nurses and allied health professionals will help to stabilize these critical medical services that Manitobans rely on,” said Desilets.

“This type of work in the current environment that’s been created with staff shortages is just not for everyone, and so we have to really find those individuals who are keen on this type of work and hopefully decrease any barriers.”

Doctors Manitoba is asking people to plan ahead by visiting RuralCare.ca to understand the status of nearby rural emergency rooms.