New children’s clinic brings vital services to Fort St. John

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Described as a “significant milestone,” a new clinic in Fort St. John is providing vital pediatric care services. 

According to a February 18th release from Northern Health, the Fort St John Pediatric Clinic is a testament to its commitment to improving healthcare access for young residents.

“We launched the new clinic in November, and it has been a crucial addition to our services in the community,” said Chantelle Wilson, executive lead for child and youth health programs.

The clinic is operated by its coordinator Brie Cormier and runs alongside the Fort St. John Primary Care Clinic.

“So far, we have three pediatricians who have committed to ongoing support as their schedules allow,” said Cormier.

The clinic has removed the need for families to travel long distances for medical appointments, the release explains. 

“Parents are grateful for the opportunity to see a pediatrician locally. The feedback has been positive, with families feeling heard and well cared for,” said Cormier.

According to Northern Health, the closest pediatric clinics outside Fort St. John are in Prince George and Grande Prairie, Alberta.

The clinic still faces challenges from a lack of full-time pediatrician coverage but has come together to fill crucial gaps in pediatric care since the city’s last private pediatrician departed two months before the clinic opened.

“When the private pediatrician left in September 2024, there was an urgent need for a dedicated space to continue providing pediatric care to residents of Fort St. John and the surrounding area,” said Wilson.

Operating with the support of locum pediatricians, the clinic sees patients in person and then has follow-up appointments by phone. The model ensures continued care is provided for patients needing vital support. 

Locum workers are those brought into a community or hospital on a temporary basis. They may cover one shift or stay for several weeks to ensure hospitals stay open, however they are not local to the area or stationed at the hospital permanently.

“The visiting locum pediatricians schedule clinic days based on their availability, typically offering services two or more days a month,” said Cormier. 

Patients can only be accepted through referrals such as a family doctor, nurse practitioner or walk-in clinic.

Residents looking for a primary care provider can register here.