B.C. hospital cuts back emergency department hours due to staffing shortages, again
A B.C. hospital is limiting its emergency department hours for over two weeks.
From Saturday, March 14, to Tuesday, March 31, the Mission Memorial Hospital Emergency Department will only be operating from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
“This is a temporary change reflecting national, systemic pressures,” reads a release from Fraser Health.
The health authority added that it is impacted by spring break, as it becomes more challenging to cover scheduling caps.
“This change will help ensure the community knows when and where emergency services are available as we continue our work to stabilize emergency physician coverage,” said Dr. Paul Theron, Mission Memorial Hospital’s site medical director.
“Having consistent and plannable hours allows us to provide reliable and safe, quality care to our patients while better supporting our hardworking emergency team. We thank the community for its patience and understanding as we work toward a long-term, sustainable solution.”
Fraser Health said that several physician candidates are currently in the hiring process at Mission Memorial, “and are expected to help improve coverage in the coming months.”
What should Mission patients do?
Fraser Health said that emergency care is still available to people in Mission and surrounding areas at all times.
“Outside of Emergency Department operating hours, people experiencing a medical emergency should call 9-1-1. Paramedics will assess patients and transport them to the most appropriate emergency department for their needs,” the release reads.
“For non-life-threatening concerns, residents can access recently expanded Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) services in the community.”
After 5 p.m., Fraser Health noted that emergency-trained nurses will still be on site and can support walk-in patients who need basic care, assist them with re-direction of care, and transfer those with urgent needs to a nearby hospital.
Mission Hospital has had persistent emergency department closures. In February of this year, Fraser Health announced a “temporary service interruption” for one night. The emergency department also had reduced hours from Monday, Dec. 29, 2025, to Tuesday, Jan. 6, 2026.
People raised their concerns on a Reddit thread posted before the previous closure.
“My daughter broke her leg during one of these recent closures and we had to drive a screaming child to ARH [Abbotsford Regional Hospital and Cancer Centre]. That was a long 23 minute drive. It is extremely upsetting to the community when this happens,” said one person.
“It’s awful I get so scared when it’s closed down and hope no one gets seriously hurt out here,” said another.
Emergency closures
This isn’t the only Lower Mainland hospital that has had to trim back emergency services due to staffing shortages.
Delta Hospital had to close for two consecutive nights in February 2025 due to a lack of doctors. In October 2025, the same hospital closed for another night, again because of a physician staffing shortage.
Further, Fraser Health’s hospitals in White Rock and Maple Ridge have both dealt with persistent maternity ward diversions due to an OB-GYN shortage.