Two diversions hit Dawson Creek Hospital over the weekend

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — The Dawson Creek and District Hospital’s emergency department was hit with multiple diversions over the weekend.

Northern Health announced on Saturday, December 28th, that the department would be closed from 5:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Sunday, the 29th, due to “staffing challenges.”

Later, at 5:00 p.m. on the 29th, the health authority also announced that the department would be closed from 7:00 p.m. that evening until 8:00 a.m. on Monday, December 30th.

These are the second and third diversions at the hospital this December, after another emergency department diversion on Friday, December 27th.

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

Meanwhile, 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 access the provincial government’s online portal to book an appointment with a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and prescription contraceptives.