Hospital diversions in Peace region doubled in November

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. – November saw an uptick in the number of diversions at Peace region hospital emergency departments.

Six total diversions were reported during the month of November – four in Chetwynd and two in Dawson Creek. 

That’s twice as many as the three reported in October, a month that saw just one diversion each in the communities of Fort St. John, Fort Nelson, and Chetwynd.

Emergency departments in the region were closed for a total of 89 hours and thirty minutes in November, compared to just 52 hours in October.

All six of November’s diversions were reportedly due to “staffing challenges.” 

For part of the month, the Chetwynd Hospital was also unable to make or receive phone calls due to a Telus service outage, although the hospital remained open.