SHERIDAN, Mich. (WOOD) — Montcalm County Central Dispatch confirms Sheridan Community Hospital diverted ambulances away from its emergency room overnight on Tuesday because of a staffing shortage. 

Dispatchers say ambulances were diverted for about eight hours and things went back to normal Wednesday morning.

This comes about a week after Target 8 discovered Sheridan contracted Samaritan Health Care to take over inpatient services. 

At the time, SCH CEO Randy Flechsig told Target 8 the move was a better coverage option for patients rather than a way to address problems at the hospital. 

Dispatchers say it’s not uncommon for hospitals to divert ambulances for periods of time.