Thessalon's emergency department will not be closed today after all.
"I am happy to share that we have confirmed coverage for the Thessalon site this evening and will avert a full closure later today," said Melanie Kubatlija, vice-president of environmental services and cheif risk and communications officer at North Shore Health Network, in an email issued Friday morning.
"On behalf of NSHN, we extend thanks to everyone involved in working to keep the emergency department open."
Here is the original story from Dec. 18:
The emergency department located in Thessalon will be closed temporarily on Friday due to a doctor shortage, says a news release issued by the North Shore Health Network (NSHN).
The closure will be from 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 20 until 8 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 21.
"The North Shore Health Network continues to investigate all possible options to provide safe access to care," the release says.
"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
• Richards Landing Site – North Shore Health Network – 1180 Richards St., Richards Landing
• Sault Area Hospital – 750 Great Northern Rd., Sault Ste. Marie
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.