Chetwynd ER closes overnight due to “staffing challenges”

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The emergency room in Chetwynd has reopened after being diverted for more than 12 hours overnight. 

On October 8th at approximately 6:30 p.m., Northern Health took to Facebook to announce a closure of the Chetwynd General Hospital’s emergency department. 

The post stated the emergency room was “currently interrupted,” and would reopen at 12 a.m. midnight on October 9th. 

However in another post at approximately 9:20 p.m. on October 8th, Northern Health stated the closure had been extended to 7 a.m., October 9th due to “staffing challenges.” 

This is the second emergency closure this month, following a 10 hour closure at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital on October 3rd. 

The birthing centre at the Fort St. John Hospital also closed twice so far this month. Starting on October 1st, the centre closed for 24 hours starting 8 a.m. on October 1st and reopening at 8 a.m. on October 2nd. The centre also closed from 6 a.m. on October 6th to 8 a.m. on October 7th, also due to a “staffing shortage.” 

During an emergency room closure, Northern Health advises residents to call 911 for life-threatening emergency care for transport to the nearest “available and appropriate facility.” 

For non-urgent medical treatment, patients can contact their primary care provider or contact Northern Health’s Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. daily.

Last month, Northern Health announced six emergency closures across three northeast B.C. communities.