The Ross River Health Centre has reduced services until Aug. 28 due to staffing shortages.

The centre will be closed – and no nurse will be available.

The Department of Health and Social Services posted the announcement Thursday on Facebook. The changes took effect today.

Patients can call 969-4444 Mondays through Fridays to make appointments and arrange for medical travel papers, the department’s post said.

“A doctor will continue to visit the community for scheduled clinics at the beginning of August as well as the last of the month,” reads the post.

EMS are “expanding their support in Ross River” and will continue to place staff as they become available, the post advised.

If Yukoners experience an emergency, they should call 911. For non- emergency health issues, they should call 811.

A nurse will be in the village on Aug. 29 and full services will resume Aug. 31.

This is the latest in a series of closures or significant service reductions at rural health care clinics this year due to staff shortages.

On Wednesday, the Yukon Party said the government “must take action” to stave off further problems.

“This gap in services blocks rural Yukoners from accessing basic health care when they need it, as well as travelling Yukoners, and visitors to the territory,” the party said.

“The Yukon Party official Opposition joins the Association of Yukon Communities (AYC) and rural Yukoners in sounding the alarm that this is not acceptable.

“The closures are another consequence of the ongoing neglect for the needs of rural Yukon by the Whitehorse-centric territorial Liberal government.”

The government, the YP added, “must outline a plan that addresses the gaps in operating hours for rural health care centres, and ensures residents can access the health care they need in their home community.”

“Yukoners rightly expect to have access to basic health care services in rural communities,” said Health and Social Services critic Brad Cathers.

“These gaps in service are the result of a Liberal government that has repeatedly neglected the basic needs of our health system, and emerging challenges in health care delivery.

“For years, we have championed developing a new health human resources strategy that improves recruitment and retention, and also helps Yukon citizens become trained as health professionals.”

The party said it agrees with the AYC’s suggestion that the government should consider allowing licensed practical nurses to practise and help fill the gaps when registered nurses are unavailable.

“This type of creative solution will help address the closure of critical rural health care centres,” the party said.

At mid-morning today, Health Minister Tracy-Anne McPhee released a lengthy statement outlining the government actions on the problem, telling Yukoners, “I want to assure you that we hear your concerns, appreciate your patience and are working hard to address the situation.”