Emergency services at Fort Nelson General Hospital were temporarily unavailable Thursday as staffing challenges forced the emergency department to close for 14 hours.
According to Northern Health, the emergency department closed at 5 a.m. on Thursday and was expected to reopen at 7 p.m. the same day.
The closure is the second emergency department interruption in Fort Nelson this month, following a similar 14-hour closure on July 17.
Northern Health reminded residents that emergency department hours can change with little notice and encouraged people to check the health authority’s Emergency Department Status page for the most up-to-date information.
In a statement, Northern Health said the recent service interruptions were linked to staffing shortages caused by illness and vacation.
“The recent service interruption at Fort Nelson General Hospital have been linked to staffing shortages due to illness and vacation. Northern Health is actively recruiting physicians (including specialists), nurses and other health care professions to live and work in the communities Northern Health serves, including Fort Nelson.”
“The summer months can be particularly challenging as vacations and staffing pressures increase. We do everything we can to cover staffing gaps when they occur, often right up to the last minute.”
During the closure, residents experiencing life-threatening emergencies, such as chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, were advised to call 911 for transportation to the nearest available and appropriate health-care facility.
Northern Health said local health services and patient transfer partners are notified when emergency services are interrupted. Signage is also placed at the hospital directing patients to call 911 if they require urgent medical attention.
For residents needing non-emergency care, Northern Health’s Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic is available daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. by calling 1-844-645-7811.
Indigenous residents and their families who have limited or no access to a primary care provider can also access the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program. Appointments are available by calling 1-855-344-3800, seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Residents who are unsure whether they need emergency care can also contact HealthLink BC for health advice from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists at any time, seven days a week.
Northern Health thanked the community for its patience and understanding as it works to address ongoing staffing pressures and maintain health-care services in Fort Nelson.
