Chetwynd ER closes for 25 hours due to ‘staffing challenges’

CHETWYND, B.C. — The emergency room at the Chetwynd General Hospital is closed for more than 24 hours due to “staffing challenges.” 

According to an update on the Northern Health – Chetwynd and Area Facebook page, emergency department services will be interrupted from 7 a.m. on April 7th until 8 a.m. on April 8th. 

This comes after the emergency department was closed overnight on March 10th. 

Northern Health, in a written statement to Energeticcity.ca, said: “Emergency department service interruptions are always a last resort, when all efforts to keep the department open have failed.”

The health authority urged anyone in Chetwynd in need of life-threatening emergency care for chest pains, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding to call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility. 

The post said when services are interrupted, partners on patient transfer and local health services are notified and signage will be in place at the hospital. 

Patients with non-urgent care needs or who do not have a primary care provider are asked to call the Northern Health Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m. daily. 

The First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program will help Indigenous people and their family living in B.C. with limited or no access to their own doctors make virtual appointments by calling 1-855-344-3800, seven days a week from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m., the post said. 

Northern B.C. residents can also book an appointment to see a pharmacist for 21 minor ailments and prescription contraceptives, by clicking here. 

Patients who are unclear whether their condition would need an emergency room visit or those who need health advice can call HealthLink B.C., 24/7. 

The health authority said it appreciates the community’s continued patience, understanding and support.