Diversion at Dawson Creek Hospital: Emergency Department closed Friday afternoon

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Northern Health has announced a diversion at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital on Friday afternoon, December 27th.

The emergency department at the hospital will be closed from 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 a.m. Saturday, December 28th due to “staffing challenges” according to a Facebook post..

This is the first diversion at the hospital in December, and the first since a diversion in early November.

People in the Dawson Creek area who need life-threatening emergency care, such as chest pains, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding are urged to call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest appropriate facility.

The health authority says for non-urgent care needs, patients can call the NH Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811, to speak to a family doctor or nurse practioner from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.

First Nations communities can access the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program by making a virtual appointment by calling  1-855-344-3800 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. seven days a week.

Residents of Northern B.C can also book an appointment with a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and prescription contraceptives by accessing the book a pharmacist website.

Patients who are unsure if their condition would warrant an emergency visit are asked to access HealthLink BC by phone at 8-1-1 or accessing the HealthLink BC website for up to date information and nurses, dieticians and pharmacists 24 hours a day.