The emergency department at Western Hospital in Alberton will operate on a limited schedule for eight days this month due to a temporary lack of physician coverage.

The emergency department will be open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (closed overnight) on April 4, 6, 8, 9, 11-13 and 26.

West Prince residents with urgent medical needs should call 9-1-1 or seek emergency services at the Prince County Hospital or the Queen Elizabeth Hospital when:

• experiencing discomfort or tightness in the chest;

• experiencing unusual shortness of breath;

• experiencing abdominal pain;

• experiencing prolonged and persistent headache or dizziness;

• an injury may require stitches or involve a broken bone;

• a child has prolonged diarrhea or vomiting; or

• a baby under six months of age has a fever of 38°C (100.4°F) or higher.

In non-urgent situations, all Islanders are encouraged to visit their family physician’s office or a walk-in clinic. Locations and hours are available at www.healthpei.ca/walkinclinics.