The effects of the physician shortage in Newfoundland and Labrador continue to be felt, this time with the closure of the emergency room at the US Memorial Health Centre in St. Lawrence, which has closed numerous times over the past few months.

The department will be closed from 8:00 a.m. on Monday until 8:00 a.m. on Wednesday.

Patients requiring emergency services during this time should call 911 or go to either the Burin Peninsula Health Care Centre or the Dr. S. Beckley Clinic in Grand Bank.

Family practice clinics and outpatient laboratory services will continue by appointment during this time at the facility.

Whitbourne Closure

Meanwhile, a similar closure will also be in place beginning this Monday at the Dr. William H. Newhook Community Health Centre in Whitbourne.

The emergency room at the centre will be closed for one week from 8:00 a.m. on Monday to 8:00 a.m. the following Monday, August 29.

Patients with a medical emergency should either call 911, or proceed to the nearest open emergency department in Carbonear, Placentia, or St. John’s.

Family practice clinics, outpatient laboratory services and ambulatory treatment services such as chemotherapy will continue to be available.