Virtual ER and Temporary Closures at sites in Central Zone
The emergency department schedules have moved.
Temporary emergency service closures and Virtual Emergency rooms (VER) are now posted on NLHealthServices.ca at the following link: https://nlhealthservices.ca/find-health-care/updates/.
When there is no physician available at one of our rural health-care facilities, there are two options that are considered:
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Virtual emergency service (Virtual ER)
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Temporary closure of ER service
Virtual care gives patients access to primary care providers via phone or video appointments, including appointments with the Health Hubs located in Gander and Grand Falls-Windsor for concerns that are not urgent or emergencies.
In many respects, a Virtual ER operates the same as a traditional emergency room.
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A patient requiring emergency services would arrive at their closest health-care site.
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The patient will be seen and assessed by the local health-care team, this could include a registered nurse and or nurse practitioner, and either an advanced care paramedic and/or a respiratory therapist.
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The patient will be assessed by a physician or nurse practitioner (NP) virtually and cared for with the support of the team on the ground.
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If required, patients would be transported to the nearest hospital in Grand Falls-Windsor or Gander to receive additional care.
When a Virtual ER is operating, residents can proceed to the ER as usual. There will be a health-care professional onsite, as well as a physician or nurse practitioner (NP) by video. For more on Virtual ERs, please visit our website.
During the period of temporary closure, residents requiring emergency services are advised to call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room.
Other Resources for non-emergent medical issues
811 HealthLine
If you are unsure whether you or a loved one should go to an emergency department, please call the NL HealthLine at 811 to speak with a registered nurse 24 hours, seven days a week. The HealthLine also has a nurse practitioner (NP) virtual care service that can prevent unnecessary emergency room visits for non-emergent issues. Appointments with NPs over the phone or by video are available everyday 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., including weekends. Please note that, appointments to see the 811 NP can usually be accommodated within three days. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call the NL HealthLine at 811.
Visit: www.811healthline.ca/
Health Hub
Newfoundland and Labrador Health Services’ Health Hub is available to ALL residents of Central Newfoundland who have non-emergent medical issues, who do not have a family physician or whose family physician is not available. Health Hub clinics are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Hours of operation are dependent upon physician availability. To reach the Health Hub, please call the Gander Medical Clinic at 709-381-0112 or 709-381-0338 or the Killick Clinic in Grand Falls-Windsor at 709-292-8404. Patients should expect an increase in wait times for both in person and virtual appointments at Health Hub sites.
We recommend that you try making an appointment with your family physician before calling the Health Hub.
For more information on Health Hubs, please visit our website.
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