The Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance is working to resume 24-hour Emergency Department (ED) coverage at the Clinton Public Hospital site.
The health alliance is continuing to actively recruit experienced and qualified registered nurses to fill the current void.
In order to safely operate the ED, reduced hours of operation have been in effect since December 2, 2019, and will be continuing until the required number of RNs are able to be recruited.
Anne Campbell, vice president or partnerships & chief nursing executive, said a minimum of six months to one year is historically required for an RN with no ED experience to feel prepared to work the night shift alone.
The situation HPHA is facing is not unique. The Seaforth Community Hospital site of the HPHA experienced a similar situation between 2009 and 2011, reducing ED operating hours until nursing staffing stabilized.
The Chesley Hospital site of the South Bruce Grey Health Centre reduced their ED hours in September 2019 due to the same staffing challenges.
