Tumbler Ridge responds to Northern Health’s update, encourages restoration of on-call ER hours

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The District of Tumbler Ridge has responded to Northern Health’s update on emergency room services, saying the health authority still hasn’t provided the clear assurances residents are looking for.

The news release from Northern Health, published on October 14th, detailed recruitment challenges, increased ambulance resources and planned focus groups following cuts to the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre’s on-call ER hours in September.

According to Northern Health in the release, discussions with Tumbler Ridge residents at two open houses held in September are also shaping plans for new services once staffing improves.

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This includes possible weekend clinic hours for same-day appointments, expanded weekday ER hours and more community outreach services for seniors.

In the district’s statement on October 21st, it said it “appreciates” Northern Health’s acknowledgment of residents’ concerns, but it did not provide clear assurance that 24/7 ER services would resume as soon as possible.

Northern Health previously said 24/7 emergency care is still available in Tumbler Ridge, despite “misconceptions” to the contrary. 

“The ER is open during regular hours, and if you call 911 after hours, two local ambulances and advanced care paramedics from Dawson Creek are ready to respond.” Northern Health said in the update.

Northern Health’s current model keeps the ER open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, with limited on-call coverage from to 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Outside that window, residents must rely on BC Emergency Health Services and two ambulances stationed locally, supported by advanced care paramedics based in Dawson Creek.

According to Tumbler Ridge, the council is exploring interim measures to help restore services sooner, including potential support from the Virtual Emergency Room Rural assistance (VERRa) program. 

Officials also warned that the prolonged after-hours closure increases the risk of losing existing medical and support staff, worsening the ongoing recruitment and retention crisis.

The district said it will continue to advocate for the return of 24/7 on-call hours and work with Northern Health “toward a sustainable solution that reflects our community’s needs and realities.”

Tumbler Ridge’s response follows months of public frustration after the after-hours reduction took effect in early September. A petition signed by more than 1,800 residents and a community protest earlier this month both called for immediate restoration of full ER on-call coverage.

Northern Health maintains the current changes are temporary while recruitment continues and said it plans to hold additional focus groups in Tumbler Ridge this November.