SMITHS FALLS, Ont. — A hospital in eastern Ontario says it has closed its obstetrical department for more than two weeks due to staffing issues.
The Perth and Smiths Falls District Hospital says the department located at its Smiths Falls, Ont., site shut down on Thursday and won’t reopen until Oct. 10.
The hospital says it is working with other hospitals in the area, ambulance services and families to make sure the proper supports are in place.
The hospital had previously shut down the emergency department at its Perth, Ont., for three weeks in July due to staffing issues.
Hospitals across the province have closed their emergency departments for hours and even days over the past several months, primarily due to nurses’ shortages.
The closures have affected rural hospitals more than urban centres.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Sept. 23, 2022.
