‘Unexpected staffing shortage’ closes Dawson Creek’s emergency room overnight

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Dawson Creek’s emergency room was closed overnight due to staffing challenges. 

Northern Health, in a written statement to Energeticcity.ca, said emergency department services at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital were interrupted between 9.25 p.m. on Monday, March 23rd and 7 a.m. on March 24th due to “unexpected staffing shortage.” 

The health authority said: “BC Emergency Health Services was notified and Fort St. John Hospital was prepared to receive patients, if needed.” 

But residents were not warned of the service interruption in a post on the Northern Health – Dawson Creek and Area Facebook page as usual. 

Northern Health also launched its Emergency Department Status webpage on January 22nd to inform people about ER diversions. 

“The launch of the Emergency Department Status webpage does not change or replace the other ways Northern Health notifies communities about emergency department service interruptions,” it said. 

It said information signage continues to be posted at facilities when there are service interruptions and Northern Health will also share notifications on social media. 

However, it added: “Because of the unexpected nature of the service interruption and the late hour, staff were not available to manually post the service interruption in Northern Health’s Dawson Creek community Facebook page.” 

The health authority asked residents to always call 911 for transportation to the nearest available and appropriate emergency department in a health emergency.