(UPDATE) Tumbler Ridge ‘crisis’ as community loses equivalent of two of four full-time physicians

Update, December 10th, 10:45 a.m.: This story was updated to clarify how many doctors have resigned and the time frames, correcting information previously verified with Northern Health. Energeticcity.ca is happy to set the record straight.

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The Tumbler Ridge Health Centre has lost the equivalent working hours of two of its four permanent physicians over this year.

Eryn Collins, regional director of public affairs and media relations at Northern Health, told Energeticcity.ca the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre began 2025 with four full-time doctors.

However, Collins said a combination of three of those employees reducing their hours to part-time and a resignation in October means there are now three doctors working the equivalent hours of two full-time roles at the health centre.

However, Collins noted the centre is supported by locum physicians when they are available and able to be recruited.

MLA for Peace River South Larry Neufeld says this is a crisis in emergency care service in Tumbler Ridge. 

This comes after Northern Health reduced the centre’s on-call ER hours from overnight and on weekends to just 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays due to the short staffing.

Neufeld told Energeticcity.ca: “It has forced a very controversial and very difficult decision around ER closure. 

“I’ve been fighting very hard for the people of Tumbler Ridge in order to have Northern Health restore that full-time ER service as soon as possible.” 

The change was controversial with the community of Tumbler Ridge, with residents protesting, signing a petition and making their voices heard at multiple open houses hosted by Northern Health amid the backlash. 

Amid the backlash, Northern Health conceded the change would be “temporary,” but maintains the policy ensures “predictable daytime coverage” at the health centre amid staffing shortages.

Neufeld said: “It has created angst and fear within the community, as far as the assurance that emergency services would be available as soon as possible.” 

Neufeld says recruiting is the number one action that needs to be taken to rectify this situation. 

“I  would say true engagement with the community is required in order to assuage fears and allow community input, given the crisis situation, and when I say engagement, that’s from Northern Health with the community,” said Neufeld, claiming the Ministry of Health is sympathetic to the situation. 

Neufeld is hopeful there will be a resolution that everyone will be satisfied with once the recruitment process is completed. 

In the meantime, Neufeld said: “The use of locums, mobile doctors or the doctors that come into the community to provide services has been utilized.

“I am encouraging Northern Health to take a second look at using the online virtual services that are available.” 

Northern Health said it is working towards solving these challenges. Northern Health told Energeticcity.ca: “Northern Health is continuing to work with local community leaders, physicians and health leadership to solve some of the challenges facing healthcare services in the community and to recruit medical staff who are interested in practicing in Tumbler Ridge.” 

For updates about the situation at Tumbler Ridge Community Centre, check Northern Health’s Facebook.