Fort Nelson General Hospital emergency department unavailable

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Northern Health has advised Fort Nelson residents that the emergency department services at the hospital will be unavailable on Tuesday.

On Monday at approximately 6:30 p.m., Northern Health shared in a Facebook group for Fort Nelson and area residents that the services will be unavailable from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. due to “challenges with nursing staff availability.”

Northern Health says it is working to ensure physician and nursing staff coverage and the timing may be adjusted.

The emergency department is expected to reopen at 7 p.m. on January 9th.

The latest service interruption comes after the service was interrupted on December 26th, and a special Northern Rockies Regional Municipality (NRRM) council meeting was held in response.

Members of the public, council members and Northern Health Representatives attended the meeting on January 2nd.

The health authority advises those experiencing life-threatening emergencies to always call 9-1-1 for transport to the appropriate facility.

Northern Health says its partners in patient transfer and local health services will be notified in the case of a diversion or service interruption, and signage will be placed at the facility informing patients to call 9-1-1 for transport.

Residents who are unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 811 or visit their website for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Northern Health Virtual Clinic can also be called at 1-844-645-7811 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily to talk to a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Northern Health says B.C. residents can also book an appointment to see a pharmacist for minor ailments and prescription contraceptives.

Energeticcity.ca contacted the NRRM for further comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.