Estevan's ongoing physician shortage has forced St. Joseph's Hospital CEO Normand Poirier to ask the public to avoid the hospital's emergency room, unless it's absolutely necessary.

The city currently has only seven physicians. An eighth doctor will arrive from the U.K. in October. Poirier said the hospital is pursuing 10 to 15 more physicians, including five from Saskatchewan, and the clinics are also working diligently to recruit new physicians.

“I feel confident that come the fall, we're going to have a physician compliment that is reflective of the needs of a dynamic city like Estevan,” said Poirier.

But until then, Poirier wants the public to cooperate by using the emergency room only during real emergencies.

“The physicians are working hard, they're working long hours and they're tired,” Poirier.

The emergency room typically has about 50 or 60 people show up each night. Physicians are on call during the evening after working all day in their offices, Poirier said.

Physicians have been coming from Weyburn and Arcola, among other communities, to help the hospital meet their needs.

A real emergency would be a serious wound, a broken limb and other health woes. But if people have a boil, a case of the sniffles or other minor health problems, they should avoid the emergency room, Poirier said.

“I think most people realize what's an emergency, and what's not, so we're asking for a little common sense if they can (exercise it),” said Poirier.

Twelve to 14 physicians would be an ideal number for a community like Estevan, Poirier said.

Poirier said they aren't at the point where services will have to be suspended. But if the physician shortage continues, the hospital might have to take some action.