Chetwynd and Dawson Creek Hospitals planning diversions

CHETWYND, B.C. – Northern Health has announced planned diversions for Chetwynd General Hospital and Dawson Creek & District Hospital.

As staffing shortages continue in the northeast, Northern Health announced intermittent diversions of the emergency room in Dawson Creek from August 8th to 14th.

Northern Health says Dawson Creek residents with emergency health care needs should call 9-1-1 for transport to the most appropriate facility, regardless of the Dawson Creek emergency room status.

Temporary, unplanned diversions are a possibility during this period for the Chetwynd General Hospital, according to a release.

The next planned diversion for Chetwynd General Hospital is expected on August 14th, but Northern Health says work continues to secure staffing coverage.

“We encourage area residents to use other options for non-emergency care needs, such as their family doctor, the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic (1-844-645-7811) or 8-1-1,” reads the release.

Northern Health is continually recruiting temporary and permanent nursing coverage, and recruitment for physician coverage is also ongoing.

“Dawson Creek & District Hospital continues to use the RUDi Emergency service for assessment, diagnosis and treatment; which has recently allowed the hospital to avoid intermittent diversions in July and early August 2021,” reads a media bulletin.

Northern Health says it is committed to keeping the community informed about any impacts or changes to local health services.

For more information, go to the Northern Health website.