Saskatoon residents will face limited emergency care options this weekend as the Saskatoon City Hospital emergency department announces unexpected early closure due to a critical physician shortage.
The emergency department will shut its doors at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday, leaving patients to seek alternative care options for the remainder of the day. This temporary closure highlights the growing strain on Saskatchewan's healthcare system.
Where to Find Emergency Care During the Closure
During the closure period, residents requiring emergency medical attention are advised to visit:
- Royal University Hospital
- St. Paul's Hospital
- Other surrounding healthcare facilities
Hospital officials emphasize that all other inpatient and outpatient services at Saskatoon City Hospital will continue operating normally during this period.
The Growing Physician Shortage Crisis
This isn't an isolated incident. Saskatchewan has been grappling with recurring physician shortages that periodically force emergency department closures across the province. The Saskatoon City Hospital ER has experienced similar closures in recent months, including a reduction in overnight hours last October.
The Saskatchewan Health Authority continues to work on long-term solutions to address the systemic healthcare staffing challenges affecting multiple facilities throughout the region.
Patients are encouraged to call 911 for life-threatening emergencies or contact HealthLine 811 for non-urgent medical advice during the closure period.
