Southern Health-Santé Sud officials mourn loss of deeply valued physician

Southern Health-Santé Sud has issued a statement following the sudden death of Dr. Anna Kolakowski, a longtime physician in Morris.

Dr. Kolakowski was killed Saturday, a victim of what RCMP are investigating as a murder-suicide. 

The following is the statement sent out by Southern Health-Santé Sud on Thursday. 

It is with great sadness and heavy heart that we inform you of the sudden death of Dr. Anna Kolakowski, who passed away on Saturday, August 12. As a respected rural family physician, she provided extensive physician support to the community of Morris and surrounding area for over 24 years and was a deeply valued member of the Southern Health-Santé Sud medical team. She was well known as a compassionate and attentive physician whom was regarded with the utmost respect among staff, colleagues and patients. We offer our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Kolakowski.
 
Out of respect of our grieving staff, the clinic at Morris General Hospital may experience reduced hours of operation for the week of August 14-18 with tentative plans of reopening more reliably on Monday, August 21. Emergency Department hours will remain unchanged – 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, 7 days per week until August 31. 

On September 1, 2023 the Emergency Department at Morris General Hospital will be temporarily closed to insure the most pressing primary care needs are met. We will continue to consult with the physicians and staff at the Morris General Hospital in an effort to reopen the Emergency Department as soon as possible. We encourage the public to access the Emergency Department schedule for the latest updates and to call ahead as hours can change.
 
The well-being of our staff who worked alongside Dr. Kolakowski at the Morris General Hospital remains our top priority. All efforts are being made to provide on-site and readily accessible support for those impacted by this tragedy.
 
Southern Health-Santé Sud extends its deepest condolences to everyone who knew Dr. Anna Kolakowski. She will be deeply missed.

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