Soo Tribe medical director talks about health centre closure

NEWS RELEASE

SAULT STE. MARIE TRIBE OF CHIPPEWA INDIANS

************************* Medical director comments on Tribal Health Center closing

SAULT STE. MARIE, MI - The following statement has been issued as follow-up to a previous announcement indicating the Sault Ste. Marie Tribal Health Center will be temporarily closed due to recent water damage caused by a ruptured water line on the third floor of the facility.

Medical Director Dr. Scott Aldridge stated:

“The health and safety of the patients and staff at the Sault Tribal Health Center are of the utmost importance to the management at the health division and Sault Tribe.

"A unified decision was made to close the tribal health center in the Sault on the afternoon of November 2, due to presumed isolated sensitivity of staff to cleaning and construction procedures.

"However, preliminary clearance tests are negative. The health center will be opened as soon as reparative plans of correction are completed. We apologize for the inconvenience.

"Our goal is to ensure the safety and continuity of care. All other tribal clinics will remain open for business as usual.”

Patients with medical appointments scheduled for next week will be notified for rescheduling.

During an emergency, patients are reminded to call 911 for immediate medical attention.

For non-emergencies, patients are directed to call War Memorial Hospital and utilize the Community Care (Walk-in) Clinic.

For more information please call (906) 632-5200.

Information on the progress of the construction and the future operating hours of the health center will be announced as the information becomes available.

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