Overview: ER Closure at Kings County Memorial Hospital
The emergency department at the Kings County Memorial Hospital in Montague will close early on Wednesday, Health P.E.I. announced. The move is due to higher-than-usual patient needs combined with a temporary reduction in regular staffing. The ER is slated to reopen by 8 a.m. Thursday.
Health P.E.I. explained that the temporary closure is a precaution to ensure patient safety and quality of care during periods of peak demand and limited staff coverage. While the ER pauses operations, patients with non-emergency issues can still access other health services or seek guidance through available channels.
What to Do If You Have an Emergency
For any emergency medical needs while the ER is closed, residents should call 911 or use emergency services. Specific red-flag symptoms include:
- Chest discomfort or tightness
- Unusual shortness of breath
- Severe or persistent abdominal pain
- Prolonged headache or dizziness
- Injuries requiring stitches or possible fractures
- Prolonged diarrhea or vomiting in a child
- A fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher in a baby under six months
For health inquiries or immediate health information, residents can call 811 to speak with a registered nurse who can provide guidance and triage advice.
Beyond the ER: Local Health Services and Access
Many Prince Edward Island health services are available without a physician referral. Residents are encouraged to explore the full list of options through Health P.E.I. and local clinics. When appropriate, non-emergency concerns can often be addressed through interim care pathways or after-hours services to help reduce pressure on hospital ERs.
Health P.E.I. has signaled a plan to strengthen ER coverage for Kings County by recruiting additional clinicians. In particular, the authority stated an objective to hire five more doctors to support the Kings County hospital’s ER, addressing the recent pattern of closures and access challenges.
Staffing and Patient Care Initiatives
The temporary ER closure is part of a broader approach to maintain patient safety during staffing fluctuations. While the department is closed, the hospital and health authority emphasize that patient safety remains the top priority and that skilled teams are on standby to respond as soon as coverage allows.
Pharmacists are also playing a role in expanded access to care under the Pharmacy Plus P.E.I. program. They can assess and prescribe for many common conditions and renew eligible prescriptions, helping to alleviate some demand on hospital services and streamline care for many residents.
What This Means for Residents
Residents should plan ahead and use the available health resources to determine the best course of action during ER closures. If you or a loved one experiences a medical emergency, do not wait—call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. For non-urgent concerns, 811 remains a valuable resource for triage and information.
Health P.E.I. will continue updating the public as staffing changes and closures unfold. The goal is to restore full ER operations as quickly and safely as possible, while expanding the workforce to prevent future disruptions.
Key Contacts and Resources
Emergency: 911 | Health information: 811 | Health P.E.I. website for service options and updates
