The facility said in a press statement on Thursday that the renewal and expansion of the emergency department at the Manitoulin Health Center was delayed due to supply chain issues.

As a result, the work will not be completed until September, two months after the original July date. The statement said, "We would like to remind the public that there will still be a fully operational emergency department, and we continue to encourage going to the hospital in case of emergency."

"The comprehensive emergency department renewal and expansion project, including the chemotherapy wing, will not be completed until the fall."

The center added that the renovations of the chemotherapy department at the Mindemoya location "will allow MHC to maintain pharmacy standards and increase the quality of care and services we provide to our chemotherapy patients."

Chemotherapy patients will continue to receive treatment at other locations until the work at Mindemoya is completed. The statement said, "We are excited to be able to welcome all our patients again to the newly renovated and expanded emergency department at the Mindemoya location, and we hope that will be in the fall of 2022."

Paula Fields, President and CEO of MHC, said she appreciates the patience of citizens during the delays. The statement quoted Fields as saying, "I know it has been difficult at times, but I am confident that the final result will be worth it."

"The new emergency department in Mindemoya will be state-of-the-art, providing top-level support to our patients and our medical staff."