WINNIPEG – The group representing physicians across Manitoba says emergency room closures are set to rise this holiday season.
Doctors Manitoba says only one-quarter of emergency rooms in rural and northern areas will be reliably open this month.
The group says 24 are set to open for limited hours or have frequent closures, and 29 health centre emergency rooms are scheduled to be closed.
Dr. Nichelle Desilets says the numbers are up slightly from December of last year and are a sign of staffing shortages.
She says the shortages predate the pandemic, but she has seen more physicians hired lately.
Doctors Manitoba has set up a web page with links to emergency room schedules and advice for people travelling in the province during the holidays.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 10, 2024.
