Nurse shortages are impacting service in the Special Care Unit at the Thompson General Hospital.

The Manitoba Nurses Union shared that the SCU was closed last Friday afternoon and won’t reopen until this Friday evening at 7 pm.

Meanwhile, patients that require SCU level of care will be assessed and transferred to another facility as appropriate.

A Northern Health Region spokesperson indicated that the Special Care Unit is an internal department that may have temporary closures at times, but that does not impede access to services.

They report that the Emergency department remains open and available 24/7 at the Thompson General Hospital and they encourage patients to seek the appropriate level of care depending on their health needs.

Information about Northern Health Region Emergency departments, facilities, locations, and programs available can be found at northernhealthregion.com.