Overnight ER closures due to staffing shortages
Mission Memorial Hospital in British Columbia’s Fraser Valley will temporarily close its emergency department overnight over the holiday period because of a shortage of available physicians. The change affects late evening through early morning hours for more than a week.
Temporary hours and duration
Starting Monday, Dec. 29 until Tuesday, Jan. 6, the emergency department will operate daily only from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Outside those hours, the hospital will not have full physician coverage, though emergency-trained nurses will be on site to assess walk-in patients and provide basic care. Patients with more serious needs will be redirected to nearby hospitals that are open 24/7.
Why it’s happening
Fraser Health Authority says the adjustment reflects systemic staffing pressures affecting hospitals across Canada, including challenges in recruiting and retaining enough doctors to cover all shifts. Officials say setting consistent, predictable hours helps match available staff while still maintaining patient safety. The authority continues efforts to recruit more physicians to restore full emergency coverage.
Care options outside operating hours
Even when the emergency department is closed overnight, community members with urgent but non-life-threatening concerns can visit Mission’s urgent and primary care centre or seek help at neighbouring 24-hour emergency departments. For life-threatening emergencies, people are reminded to call 911 so paramedics can respond and transport them to the appropriate facility.
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