‘Staffing challenges’ close ER at Fort Nelson General Hospital for 13 hours

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The emergency department in the Fort Nelson General Hospital has been closed due “staffing challenges.” 

According to a Facebook post uploaded to Northern Health – Fort Nelson and Area’s page, emergency department services will be unavailable between 6 a.m. and 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24th.  

The post said the status of the emergency department may change abruptly and people are advised to check Northern Health’s Emergency Department Status web page as it is updated in real time with accurate information about any emergency department’s status. 

The health authority is asking people in the Fort Nelson area who need life-threatening emergency care, including for chest pains, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, to call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility. 

When services are interrupted, patient transfer partners and local health services are notified and signage will be placed at the hospital informing patients to call 911, Northern Health said. 

People in need of non-urgent care are asked to contact their primary care provider to make an appointment. 

Those who don’t have a family doctor or nurse practitioner, can call the Northern Health Virtual Clinic daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at 1-844-645-7811. 

Additionally, the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program is available to help Indigenous people and their families in B.C. with limited or no access to their own doctor to make virtual appointments by calling 1-855-344-3800 everyday from 8.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Northern B.C. residents also have the option to book an appointment to see a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and prescription contraceptives via https://www.bookapharmacist.gov.bc.ca/minorail/s/. 

The post advised patients who are unsure if their condition needs an emergency visit or those who need health advice to call HealthLink BC (8-1-1) or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.

Northern Health said it appreciates the community’s continued understanding and support for its healthcare providers and staff.