If you’re travelling around Manitoba for Christmas, check the local hospital’s emergency room schedule for the December holidays.

According to Doctors Manitoba, only a quarter of ERs outside Winnipeg are expected to be open 24-7.

They said 18 of Manitoba’s 71 rural and northern ERs are expected to be reliably open 24-7, while 25 are expected to have limited hours or periodic closures.

Twenty-eight are fully closed due to suspension or a long-term closure.

Northern Health said no ER closures are anticipated between now and January 3rd and that temporary ER closures are considered only as a last resort when there isn’t enough staff to ensure safe care for patients.

For information about ER availability during the holidays, go to RuralCare.ca.