Northern Health warns of extended wait times at Fort St. John Hospital

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — People attending the emergency department at Fort St. John Hospital are being warned to expect long wait times.

Northern Health posted to Facebook at 3:45 p.m. July 25th saying the hospital was experiencing higher-than-usual patient volumes.

People with less urgent care needs are being urged to visit their primary care provider during normal business hours rather than going to the emergency department.

Meanwhile, patients without primary care providers can call the Northern Health Virtual Care Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily to speak with a nurse practitioner.

Residents in need of life-threatening emergency health care are still urged to call 911 for transportation to the nearest available emergency department.

This comes as the Tumbler Ridge Medical Clinic is also closed until 6 p.m., “due to limited resources.”