Chetwynd ER closes for fourth time in one month

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Residents of the District of Chetwynd will be without an emergency room for more than 24 hours again this month. 

According to a September 22nd Facebook post by Northern Health, the Chetwynd General Hospital emergency room will be closed from 7 a.m. on September 23rd to 8 a.m. on September 24th due to “staffing challenges.” 

This is the fourth diversion of the community’s only emergency room so far this month, with the last diversion also lasting more than 24 hours starting on September 16th. 

So far this month, there have been six emergency room closures in the Peace River region and the Northern Rockies Regional Municipality.

While the ER is closed, people in a life-threatening situation – for example with chest pains, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding – should call 911.

Patients who need non-urgent care are asked to contact their primary care provider or, for those without a family doctor, Northern Health’s Virtual Clinic at 1 844 645 7811 between 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day.

People who aren’t sure whether their condition warrants an emergency room visit or who need health advice are asked to call HealthLink BC (811) or visit its website.