Oromocto ER services cut

Health officials say staffing problems, not money, is the reason for cutbacks at the Oromocto hospital. Starting Monday, the emergency room will close at 10 p.m. rather than midnight.

Diane Morrison of the Region Three Hospital Corporation says fewer doctors dealing with more patients meant was causing stress for hospital staff.

"The strategy is to retain the physicians who are remaining in that emergency room, so that they have reasonable working conditions and, as well, the nurses too," says Morrison. "It's a strategy that we're using to attract other physicians to want to work in the emergency department because at least they have some consistency in hours."

People in Oromocto are upset with the change. If they need emergency after 10 o'clock, they'll now have to travel to Fredericton or Minto.