RAINY RIVER – The emergency department at this small border town’s hospital is closed until Saturday morning.
Riverside Health Care announced the temporary closure of Rainy River Health Centre’s ER, “effectively immediately,” Thursday night on its Facebook page.
The notice stated that when the ER would reopen was unclear, but an update sent to news media late Friday morning set its reopening at Monday morning.
A further update made in the early evening stated the ER will reopen at 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 8.
A statement from Riverside president and chief executive Henry Gauthier said an “unforeseen isolated incident” related to staffing prompted the sudden closure.
Riverside spokesperson Kathryn Pierroz told Newswatch that, to protect the privacy of health centre employees, no details about the incident will be disclosed.
No other services at the Rainy River hospital are affected.
Area residents requiring urgent medical attention prior to 9 a.m. Saturday are advised to call 911 or go directly to La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances.
Serving a population of more than 20,000, Riverside Health Care operates several facilities including the Rainy River Health Centre, La Verendrye General Hospital and Emo Health Centre.
