‘Staffing challenges’ close Fort Nelson emergency room for eight hours

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health has closed the emergency room in Fort Nelson due to “unexpected staffing challenges.”

In a September 17th Facebook post published at approximately 7:30 a.m., Northern Health announced an eight-hour diversion at the Fort Nelson General Hospital. 

According to the health authority, “unexpected staffing challenges” will leave the community of Fort Nelson without access to the only emergency department within a four-hour drive from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. on September 17th. 

During an emergency room closure, residents in need of life-threatening, emergency care are advised to call 911 for transportation to the nearest available medical facility. 

For residents seeking non-urgent medical care, Northern Health recommends contacting a primary care provider or the Northern Health Virtual Clinic by calling 1-844-645-7811 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m.

This is the fifth closure of an emergency room in northeast B.C. this month, after the Chetwynd General Hospital’s emergency department closed on September 2nd, September 12th and September 15th and the Dawson Creek and District Hospital closed on September 15th.