Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority residents are notified of a temporary suspension of the Pine Falls Health Complex emergency department, effective immediately and for the immediate future.

Individuals seeking emergency care are directed to call 9-1-1 or their local 10-digit emergency number in the event of an emergency or they should attend Pinawa Hospital for emergency department service. Residents should continue to watch IERHA’s emergency department schedules for updates. Pine Falls physicians will be supporting the anticipated increase in demand at Pinawa Hospital by picking up shifts.

Care for inpatients at Pine Falls hospital is unchanged and the hospital will continue to admit patients in need of care. Dialysis and laboratory services remain available according to their usual schedule.

The suspension is related to a shortage of emergency department nursing staff, a situation being experienced across health systems in recent months following more than two years of prolonged pandemic response.

Interlake-Eastern RHA is focused on providing extended hours access to primary care at the Pine Falls’ clinic. Recruitment efforts to fill posted vacant nursing positions in Pine Falls will continue.

Recruitment and retention have been a top priority of the region. The region is currently seeking LPNs, RNs and health care aides and partnering with educational institutions in Manitoba to increase local training opportunities for people interested in pursuing meaningful careers in health care. Visit www.ierha.ca and click on “Careers” and “Educational Opportunities” to learn more.