Fort St. John Emergency Department closed for third night in a row

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health has announced a diversion at the Fort St. John hospital for Sunday night into Monday morning.

According to a post on Facebook from the health authority, the hospital’s emergency department closed at 10:00 p.m. July 14th and will be unavailable until 5:00 a.m. Monday, July 15, 2024.

The emergency department was also closed overnight, Friday and Saturday this weekend.

The listed reason for all closures has been “challenges with physician coverage.” 

Only the Emergency Department is affected.

While the diversion is active, residents who need “life-threatening” emergency care for issues like difficulty breathing, chest pain, and severe bleeding are advised to call 911 so an ambulance can take them to the nearest hospital in Dawson Creek.

Meanwhile, people with less urgent care needs are advised to book appointments with their primary care provider or take advantage of Northern Health’s Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic.