ENGLEHART (Special) – Staff shortages have closed the emergency department at Englehart hospital until further notice.

Blanche River Health (BRH), which oversees hospitals in Englehart and Kirkland Lake, announced the closure last night (Tuesday, March 5).

In a news release, it said emergency departments at its Kirkland Lake site and at the Temiskaming Hospital in New Liskeard remain open.

In an emergency, people are advised to call 911, and they’ll be transported to the best available location for care.

Registered nurses at Health 811 are also available 24/7 by calling 811.

“Despite the success we have had in keeping the (emergency department) open at both Blanche River Health sites by increasing use of contracted services, our region is not immune to the ongoing shortage of clinicians that led to more than 150 Ontario ED closures last year,” said BRH CEO Jorge VanSlyke in the release.

“We will continue to work hard to ensure full coverage is sustained over the long term.”