Services at Yorkton Regional Health Centre will be interrupted on the evenings of October 13 and October 27, 2010 to facilitate essential electrical upgrades.
The Yorkton Regional Health Centre will be on emergency bypass while the electrical equipment is being replaced. The health region will coordinate transfer of in-patients to neighboring hospitals. Hemodialysis patients will be individually contacted to reschedule their October 13 and October 27, 2010 evening appointments. Emergency room or obstetrical services will not be available on these two evenings. Between 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13 and 4:00 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, the emergency room in Yorkton will be unavailable. Members of the public who require emergency care between these hours can call 911 for an ambulance. Healthline can be called for nursing advice and, when appropriate, persons may be advised to travel to the next closest acute care facility for assistance. Healthline provides 24 hour nursing advice and can be reached by calling 1-877-800-0002.
Pregnant women should immediately proceed to Regina if labour begins between 6:00 a.m. Wednesday, October 13 and 4:00 a.m. Thursday, October 14, 2010. If birth is imminent, they should proceed to the closest hospital. Normal emergency and obstetrical services should be restored by 4:00 a.m. Thursday, October 14.
Similar service interruption instructions and alternate arrangements will be announced in advance of the October 27, 2010 bypass date.
This service interruption only affects the Yorkton Regional Health Centre. Other acute care sites in the health region will be operational. Melville and Canora will be the closest emergency coverage for residents of Yorkton.
"I want to thank the general public, staff, physicians, ambulance services and neighbouring health regions for your understanding and assistance during this essential equipment upgrade," said Interim Chief Executive Officer Suann Laurent.
The transfer switch from the 1960 original construction of the Yorkton Regional Health Centre is being replaced. The function of the transfer switch is to initiate the start of the standby generator during a power outage, and finally, transfer back to normal utility power after an outage. Two main 4160 Volt electrical disconnects of the same vintage must also be cleaned, serviced, and tested as part of the Region's risk management plan.
Sunrise Health Region asks members of the public to watch and listen for local media announcements prior to these dates. Please prepare to access alternate care during these interruptions.
