The hours of service are being reduced in the Emergency Room at Ste. Anne Hospital.

Southern Health says Ste. Anne is currently facing a temporary physician shortage.

Starting Friday, October 19, the Ste. Anne Hospital ER will be open only from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. seven days a week. It will be closed between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m until further notice.

Southern Health says this arrangement will be in effect for at least the next six weeks. It says the changes will not affect acute care nor obstetrics.