Fifth Chetwynd Hospital diversion since start of June announced

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – Northern Health announced another hospital diversion for Chetwynd Hospital late Saturday evening.

At almost 8 p.m. Saturday, June 28th, Northern Health announced on Facebook that “over-capacity challenges” had led to a temporary closure of the emergency department at Chetwynd Hospital and Health Centre. 

The closure was scheduled to run from 7 p.m. June 29th to 3 a.m. June 30th. 

This is the fifth closure announced for the Chetwynd emergency department in June. The four previous closures were caused by “Challenges with physician coverage,” according to Northern Health.

While the diversion was in effect, residents needing life-threatening emergency care were told to call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available emergency room. For residents of the Chetwynd area, this would be Dawson Creek, over an hour’s drive away.