Community Advised of Weekend Service Disruption as Healthcare Alliance Addresses Resource Shortages

The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance (HPHA) has announced a temporary reduction in operating hours at the St. Marys Memorial Hospital emergency department, citing persistent health human resource shortages that continue to challenge care providers across the region. The decision, affecting the upcoming weekend, reflects the broader strain on rural and small-community hospitals working to maintain essential services during a period of nationwide healthcare staffing pressures.

Under the temporary change, the St. Marys emergency department will close at 5 p.m. on Saturday, with plans to reopen at 7 a.m. on Sunday, at which point its standard 24-hour service schedule is expected to resume. The HPHA emphasized that the modification is strictly temporary and implemented to ensure the safety of both patients and healthcare staff.

A Difficult but Necessary Measure

Shortage of Healthcare Personnel Continues to Impact Rural Care

Like many hospitals across Ontario and the rest of Canada, St. Marys Memorial Hospital has been navigating shortages of nurses, physicians, and support staff. These shortages—exacerbated by retirements, workforce burnout, and increasing patient volumes—have contributed to periodic adjustments in emergency department hours in various communities.

Hospital officials noted that while the decision to reduce hours is never taken lightly, maintaining a safe level of staffing is essential to delivering high-quality emergency care. By temporarily limiting operating hours, the HPHA aims to prevent excessive strain on existing staff and reduce the risk of service disruptions that could compromise patient safety.

Maintaining Access to Critical Emergency Services

Despite the temporary reduction, emergency care remains available for those who need it. Residents requiring immediate medical attention are urged to call 911, where paramedics will continue to provide full emergency response services. Paramedic teams are prepared to transport individuals to the nearest available emergency department with the capacity to deliver urgent care.

The HPHA reaffirmed that patient safety remains its highest priority, and emergency medical services will ensure no interruption in access to life-saving interventions during the brief closure period.

Guidance for Residents Throughout the Service Interruption

When to Call 911

Officials stress that individuals experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, stroke-like symptoms, or any condition that could be life-threatening should not hesitate to seek emergency help. Calling 911 ensures that trained paramedics can assess the situation quickly and transport the patient to the most appropriate facility.

Options for Non-Urgent Health Concerns

For medical issues that are not urgent, residents are encouraged to use Health Connect Ontario, available by dialing 811. This service offers around-the-clock access to registered nurses who can provide advice, guidance, and information on whether symptoms require in-person care. It can also help connect individuals with other local health services, reducing unnecessary emergency room visits and easing system pressures.

This pathway is particularly useful during temporary closures, as it helps residents avoid confusion about where and when to seek medical attention and ensures appropriate use of emergency resources.

Nearby Emergency Departments Available 24/7

Facilities Within Accessible Distance

While St. Marys Memorial Hospital’s emergency department will be unavailable Saturday evening, several nearby hospitals will continue offering 24-hour emergency services, including:

• Stratford General Hospital (HPHA)

• South Huron Hospital in Exeter*

• Alexandra Hospital in Ingersoll*

• London Health Sciences Centre – University Hospital

• London Health Sciences Centre – Victoria Hospital

Residents are encouraged to verify the hours at locations marked with an asterisk, as service availability may vary depending on local staffing conditions or operational adjustments.

Regional Collaboration Remains Essential

Hospitals in the Huron Perth region regularly coordinate to manage patient flow, share resources, and maintain system stability, particularly during temporary disruptions. This collaborative approach helps ensure that even when one facility experiences staffing challenges, surrounding hospitals can support the community’s needs.

Broader Context: Healthcare Workforce Pressures

A Persistent Challenge Across the Province

The situation at St. Marys Memorial Hospital is not unique. Throughout Ontario, hospitals—especially those serving smaller towns and rural populations—have periodically reduced emergency department hours due to recruitment challenges and limited staffing pools. Healthcare leaders and provincial authorities continue working on long-term strategies to stabilize the workforce, including expanded training programs, incentives for rural practice, and initiatives focused on retention.

Focus on Staff Well-Being and Sustainable Operations

Temporary closures or hour reductions are often implemented to protect staff from burnout, which has become increasingly common in healthcare settings. Many frontline workers have taken on extended shifts or additional responsibilities, particularly during and after the pandemic years. Giving teams the necessary time and resources to work safely is a priority for healthcare organizations, even when it means making difficult short-term decisions.

How the Community Can Prepare

Planning Ahead for the Closure Window

While most residents may never need emergency care during the affected hours, understanding available resources helps ensure preparedness. Community members are encouraged to:

• Familiarize themselves with nearby 24-hour emergency department locations

• Keep emergency contact numbers readily accessible

• Use Health Connect Ontario for non-urgent concerns

• Seek advice from primary care providers when appropriate

• Ensure household first-aid supplies are stocked

Taking these small steps can help reduce stress and confusion during short-term service interruptions.

Supporting Local Healthcare Providers

Healthcare workers remain committed to delivering quality care despite challenging conditions. Community support—whether through patience during high-demand periods, advocacy for improved resources, or participation in local health initiatives—plays an important role in strengthening the system.

Looking Ahead: Return to Normal Hours Expected Sunday Morning

The HPHA anticipates that the St. Marys emergency department will return to its regular 24-hour schedule starting 7 a.m. on Sunday, provided staffing levels remain stable. The organization will continue monitoring human resource availability and will communicate any further changes promptly to ensure residents remain informed.

Hospital leadership expressed gratitude for the community’s understanding and cooperation during the temporary disruption. Transparent communication, they emphasized, is key to maintaining trust and ensuring that residents receive the care they need, when they need it.

Conclusion: Community Vigilance and Coordinated Care Help Mitigate Impact

The temporary reduction in emergency department hours at St. Marys Memorial Hospital underscores the ongoing challenges facing healthcare providers, particularly in smaller communities where staffing shortages can significantly affect operations. Yet, through coordinated regional support, paramedic services, and alternative health resources like Health Connect Ontario, access to urgent and non-urgent care remains intact.