The Collingwood General and Marine Hospital's (CGMH) obstetrics unit will again be closed on June 11 for the day.
This will be the second day in a row the unit is closed to new admissions, having been closed on June 10 and reopened at 7 p.m. the same day.
"The hospital is planning for an additional closure on Tuesday, June 11 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., due to ongoing staff illness and challenges in filling shifts," stated a news release from the hospital sent out June 10 shortly after 10 p.m.
In the news release, the hospital's president and CEO Michael Lacroix said every effort was made to find replacement staff, but the June 11 day shift was not filled.
"CGMH's obstetrical unit is a small team with a specialized skillset," stated Lacroix in the news release.
"CGMH is dedicated to transparency, and we are sharing this information to ensure that patients have time to prepare and make necessary arrangements for tomorrow," continued the news release.
Despite repeated requests on June 10, the hospital did not grant an interview.
According to the news release, the obstetrics unit will be "fully operational" until 7 a.m. on June 11, and expectant patients can go to the hospital if they need immediate care.
"Alternatively, patients may seek assistance at nearby hospitals such as RVH in Barrie, Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Orillia, or Brightshores in Owen Sound," stated the release.
On June 10, the hospital was still caring for patients experiencing pregnancy emergencies, and those who came to the hospital for the obstetrics unit were assessed and transferred if it was deemed safe to do so.
"CGMH acknowledges the disruptions that these closures may pose for expecting families and expresses gratitude for the community's understanding and support during this challenging period," states the news release.
