Emergency services at the York Hospital campus in Wells will be temporarily suspended for reasons related to the pandemic, a spokeswoman says.

The notice of the suspension, which begins on Monday, was posted on the hospital’s website, saying the change comes “In order to better care for our patients at all York Hospital community locations.”

A spokeswoman told the Portland Press Herald the suspension is temporary and related to the pandemic, but stopped short of linking it to the governor’s vaccine mandate for healthcare workers, which will be enforced beginning on October 29th.

Emergency physicians and emergency-trained staff will remain on site at the Wells campus.

The hospital says it’s also still providing urgent care to all patients seven days a week, and the hours of service remain the same. Anyone experiencing life-threatening symptoms is advised to call 911 or seek care at the York Campus Emergency Department.

It comes at a time when many hospitals and other healthcare facilities are struggling to recruit and retain staff. Central Maine Medical Center said last week it was scaling back some services, and has pushed for the governor’s vaccine mandate to allow for unvaccinated workers to remain on the job if they undergo regular coronavirus testing.

While burnout and stress from the pandemic have been cited as factors, some are also pointing the finger at the governor’s vaccine mandate for exacerbating staff shortages at hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities across the state.