Fort St. John Hospital faces extended wait times in emergency department

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Wait times at Fort St. John Hospital’s emergency department are longer than usual right now, according to Northern Health.

The health authority issued a warning about the elevated wait times on Facebook Tuesday morning, saying the hospital is experiencing high patient volumes.

To ease the strain on the hospital, staff members are urging residents with “less urgent care needs” to consider visiting their primary care provider, or using Northern Health’s Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic.

“Northern BC residents can also book an appointment to see a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and prescription contraceptives,” the Facebook post reads.

The emergency department was impacted by a service interruption earlier in April due to a staffing shortage.

A similar warning regarding wait times was also issued in February.

Residents unsure if their condition warrants a trip to the emergency department are being urged to contact HealthLink BC on its website or by calling 811.