Over capacity issues force Chetwynd General Hospital to go on diversion

CHETWYND, B.C. – Chetwynd General Hospital has suspended emergency room services until Tuesday morning due to overcapacity and to ensure patients’ safety.

Northern Health says the hospital must go on diversion, meaning it won’t provide emergency care, until 7 a.m. Tuesday.

Anyone in need of emergency care is asked to call 9-1-1 for transport to the next open emergency department in Dawson Creek or Fort St. John or seek private transportation to these alternate facilities.

Patients who aren’t sure whether their condition would warrant an emergency room visit, or who need health advice can call HealthLink BC (8-1-1), or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.