Adjusted Physician Response Is Not A Closure

According to IHA Kelowna the apparent closure of Princeton General Hospital's Emergency Department after 12 Midnight (until 8:00 AM) this past Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights was not a closure.

IHA Princeton issued a fax to all concerned stake holders and regional media stating "Due to limited physician availability in May and June, there will be times when only the most urgent cases will be seen by the physician on call. Patients with less urgent matters will be assessed by our trained nurses but, depending on their condition, may be transferred to a nearby hospital for care or offered appropriate options. If this is the case, it's important to come prepared; Bring your wallet, shoes, clothes and make arrangements for the return home. Times when patients can anticipate this adjusted physician response are:

Friday, May 25th - 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM
Saturday, May 26th - 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM
Sunday, May 27th - 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM"

The fax was sent out after 1:00 PM Friday, May 25th by IHA Princeton. It's the same message as has been faxed out frequently over the past number of months. IHA Kelowna says the above 'adjusted physician response' notice is very different from the weekly Monday to Thursday 12:00 AM (Midnight) to 8:00 AM 'closures' that took effect at Princeton General Hospital's Emergency Department beginning May 1, 2012.

Apparently there is a nurse in the locked building and a button one can buzz to be assessed by the nurse on call. Again, only the most urgent cases will be seen during the 'closure' nights.

Confusing? Yes, it is.