(SAINT JOHN) Friday, March 18, 2022- Horizon's Saint John Regional Hospital (SJRH) Emergency Department (ED) is facing a critical shortage of nursing staff this weekend (March 18-20).

This means the department will be operating at a reduced capacity, and Horizon is asking anyone with non-urgent symptoms to consider other options for care.

There are many options for receiving non-emergency care in the Saint John area, notably the Urgent Care Centre at Horizon's St. Joseph's Hospital, which is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week and offers care to patients of all ages experiencing non-life-threatening illnesses or injuries requiring urgent, same-day medical attention and treatment.

There are also a number of  after-hours clinics  in the region those experiencing non-urgent medical issues can visit. After-hours clinics can often treat non-urgent and minor illnesses and ailments, such as earaches, sore throats or prescription refills.

Additionally, people with non-urgent medical needs can call Tele-Care 811, consult with a pharmacist or book a virtual appointment through E-Visit NB.

Please remember: our ED teams are always there to treat patients in an emergency!

If you have a medical emergency, please call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.

Patients with non-urgent medical issues will experience long wait times as we prioritize the sickest and most vulnerable patients.

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For more information contact:

Kris McDavid

Media Relations

1-877-499-1899

media@horizonnb.ca

news.horizonnb.ca