Chetwynd Hospital faces fourth ER diversion in seven days due to staff shortages

CHETWYND, B.C. – Northern Health has announced yet another diversion at Chetwynd General Hospital slated to begin Sunday evening.

The health authority announced via Facebook on January 5th, the diversion in the hospital’s emergency department will occur between 6:00 p.m. Sunday evening and 8:00 a.m. on January 6th.

This is the third consecutive day a diversion has taken place, as a diversion announced on January 2nd extended into the weekend, ending on Sunday morning at 8:00 a.m.  

It is also the fourth diversion at the hospital in just seven days. 

As was the case with the previous diversions, Northern Health has listed “staffing challenges” as the cause.

Chetwynd residents with a non-life threatening emergency are urged to call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

For non-urgent care needs, patients can call the NH Virtual Primary & Community Care Clinic at 1-844-645-7811, available from 10 a.m to 10 p.m. seven days a week,  to access a family doctor or nurse practitioner.

Residents of Northern BC can also book an appointment with a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and prescription contraceptives, says Northern Health.

Members of First Nations communities can access The First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program, by calling 1-855-344-3800 daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Those unsure of whether a condition would warrant an emergency visit are urged to call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 or visit their website for non-emergency medical advice from health care professionals 24 hours a day.