Doctor shortage forces yet another shutdown of Thessalon emergency department

The emergency department at North Shore Health Network (NSHN) in Thessalon will be temporarily closed this weekend due to a shortage in physicians.

The ED will be shut down from 8 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 10 until Sunday Aug. 11 at 8 a.m. 

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 911. Ambulances will be re-routed to one of the following: NSHN Blind River Site, NSHN Richards Landing-Matthews Site, or Sault Area Hospital.

As SooToday previously reported, Thessalon's emergency department endured repeated shutdowns last year.

At the time, Tim Vine, CEO of the North Shore Health Network, spoke about the issue during an appearance on our Inside the Village podcast. You can watch the full episode HERE.

SEE: 'Better not get sick': Life in Thessalon when the emergency ward closes

For more information on this weekend's shutdown, see the press release below.

The Emergency Department at the Thessalon Site of the North Shore Health Network (NSHN) will be temporarily closing on the following dates due to physician shortages: 

• From 8 a.m. on Saturday Aug. 10, 2024 and reopening Sunday Aug. 11, 2024 at 8 a.m.

The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care. Every effort will continue to be made and NSHN is committed to keeping the community informed regarding this situation.

Anyone requiring immediate medical attention should call 9-1-1. Ambulances will be re-routed to one of the following: NSHN Blind River Site, NSHN Richards Landing-Matthews Site, or Sault Area Hospital. 

The closest Emergency Departments to the Thessalon Site are: 

• Blind River Site – North Shore Health Network – 525 Causley St., Blind River, Ont. 
• Richards Landing Site – North Shore Health Network – 1180 Richards St., Richards Landing, Ont.
• Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.

Access to services for non-emergent health advice or information is available by contacting Health811 by calling 8-1-1. Toll free TTY line: 1-866-797-007. Or start a live chat with an advisor online at: https://healthconnectontario.health.gov.on.ca.

NSHN would like to thank the community for your continued patience and understanding during this time as we work with our partners toward sustainable resources to serve your healthcare needs. For further information please visit our website: www.nshn.care or via Facebook “North Shore Health Network.”