Emergency departments in three Nova Scotia communities are facing unexpected closures Saturday because they don't have enough nurses to cover the shift.

The emergency room at Soldiers Memorial Hospital in Middleton closed its doors at 10:00 a.m., but is expected to reopen at 7:00 p.m.

The Glace Bay Hospital had to shut down its emergency department early Saturday morning after it was discovered during shift change that a number of nurses had called in sick and replacements couldn't be found.

It is expected to reopen at 7 p.m.

In Lunenburg, Fishermen's Memorial Hospital's emergency department will be closing at 5:00 p.m. and won't reopen until Sunday at 7:30 a.m.

The Nova Scotia Health Authority is advising patients in those areas with non-urgent concerns to call 811 to speak with a nurse.

For emergency services, they are advised to call 911.