An improvement in the number of ER closures at Fishermen's Memorial in Lunenburg. Between March 5, 2009 and March 5, 2010, there were 14 closures, representing approximately 3 % of available hours. South Shore Health C-E-O Alice Leverman says all closures were due to an unavailability of staff to cover the shifts. Efforts taken to minimize closures include cross training of staff between South Shore Regional and Fishermen's Memorial hospitals, active recruitment of experienced staff and promotion of 811. The department is also exploring the possibility of using advanced paramedics for casual staffing.