Doctor shortage forces 48-hour shutdown of Thessalon emergency department

A physician shortage has forced the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) in Thessalon to close down its emergency department for 48 hours.

The temporary closure will run from May 24 at 8 a.m. to May 26 at 8 a.m.

"The North Shore Health Network has investigated all possible options to continue to provide safe access to care; however, the difficult decision has been made to announce the temporary Thessalon Site Emergency Department closure," reads the release issued by the NSHN. "Every effort will continue to be made, and NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation."

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Ambulances will be routed to one of the following locations: NSHN Blind River Site, NSHN Richards Landing-Matthews Site, or Sault Area Hospital. 

The closest emergency departments to the Thessalon site are: 

• Blind River Site – North Shore Health Network – 525 Causley St., Blind River, Ont.
• Richards Landing Site – North Shore Health Network – 1180 Richards St., Richards Landing, Ont. 
• Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

For non-emergent health advice or information, call Health811 at 8-1-1, toll-free TTY line at 1-866-797-007, or start a live chat with an advisor online at healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca. 

More information can be found at nshn.care or via this Facebook page.