Temporary Changes to Emergency Services at Bonavista Peninsula Health Centre

January 12, 2023 – St. John’s, NL: Eastern Health advises the public of temporary changes to emergency services at the Bonavista Peninsula Health Centre due to current human resource challenges. The temporary changes are as follows:

During Temporary Closures:

Patients with a medical emergency who require an ambulance should call 911. Those who feel they have a serious or urgent medical problem should proceed to the nearest open emergency department at Dr. G. B. Cross Memorial Hospital in Clarenville.

During Virtual Emergency Rooms (ERs staffed by a nurse practitioner):

The emergency department will be staffed by a nurse practitioner and supported by a physician who will be available virtually. Patients are advised to proceed to the emergency department at the Bonavista Peninsula Health Centre where they will be assessed and transferred to another hospital, if necessary.

If you are unsure whether you or a loved one should go to the Emergency Department or you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the NL Health Line at 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours, seven days a week. The HealthLine also has a nurse practitioner (NP) virtual care service that can prevent unnecessary emergency room visits for non-emergent issues. Appointments with NPs over the phone or by video are available every day from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., including weekends. Please note that appointments to see the 811 NP can usually be accommodated within three days.

Changes in service may also impact admissions to hospital. Eastern Health thanks the public for their understanding as we continue to remain focused on the safe delivery of care for the people of the Bonavista area.

For the most up-to-date information on temporary service closures in the region, please visit the Eastern Health website at: https://www.easternhealth.ca/prc/service-closures-and-updates/.

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