December 29,2025
RED FM News Desk
Because of an ongoing shortage of health-care workers, a B.C. hospital is facing more temporary emergency-room closures.
Starting Monday, Mission Memorial Hospital’s ER will only be open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day, with the final closure expected to end at 8 a.m. on Jan. 7. Fraser Health says the reduced hours will give the community more predictable access to care while only a small number of physicians are available.
Health officials say Mission Memorial relies on a small core team of emergency doctors and locum physicians who fill shifts across the province — meaning any scheduling gaps can quickly lead to closures. While the ER will be closed at night, residents can still call 911, visit local urgent primary care centres, or go to nearby hospitals that remain open 24/7.
Fraser Health says it is aggressively recruiting to prevent future disruptions, while some residents argue the province must make it easier and faster to bring in doctors from other countries. The ER is slated for an $18-million renovation in 2026, which officials hope will help attract more staff.
Monday night’s closure will be the seventh overnight shutdown this year.
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