“Staffing challenges” have led to a temporary 25 hour closure of the Chetwynd Hospital’s emergency department.
Northern Health announced the shutdown, which is in effect from 7 a.m. on Tue Sept. 23 until 8 a.m. on Wednesday. This is the fifth service interruption announced for the emergency room of Chetwynd’s hospital this month and the second within the last week. The emergency department was also closed on Sept. 15 and 16 before reopening at 8 a.m. that Wednesday.
People who are experiencing urgent medical crises, such as chest pains, severe bleeding, or a broken bone should call 9-1-1 to be transported to an open emergency department. Northern Health said they coordinate with other hospitals when closing departments to assure service is still available as needed.
“For non-urgent needs, patients should contact their primary care provider to make an appointment,” said the health authority. People without a family doctor can contact the virtual care clinic to speak with a primary care practitioner.
Anyone who is unsure of the severity of their medical issues can call 8-1-1 to confirm whether they should call emergency services. Health Link B.C. also provides “health information from nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists” for people whose issues don’t warrant an emergency room visit.
To eliminate the “staffing challenges” causing these closures, Northern Health said they are working with the Ministry of Health to recruit more healthcare workers to visit the north. The health authority also established an Emergency Department Stabilization Task Force earlier this year to assure residents have access to care.
