A shortage of health-care workers in the Peace region has led to another temporary emergency room closure, this time in Tumbler Ridge.
This closure is due to “staffing challenges” according to Northern Health. Emergency services at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre are typically available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with on-call coverage available an hour before and after operating hours.
Services will be unavailable on Thursday, Oct. 16, from 8 a.m. until the centre closes at 8 p.m., Northern Health said. Non-emergency medical care at the hospital will carry on as scheduled.
Hours in the community’s only emergency room were reduced last month. As of Sept. 5, after hours emergency calls were directed to the Dawson Creek and District Hospital.
“If you call 9-1-1 after hours, two local ambulances and advanced care paramedics from Dawson Creek are ready to respond,” explained Northern Health in a health services update for residents. This process is the same for temporary closures.
Residents experiencing chest pains, broken bones, or any life-threatening issues should call emergency services. Otherwise, for non-urgent care, residents are advised to seek out their primary care physician or Northern Health’s virtual clinic. For clarity on if a medical need is worth the trip to Dawson Creek, residents can call HealthLink B.C. at 8-1-1.
