‘Staffing challenges’ extend Hudson’s Hope Health Centre to 11 days

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Northern Health has extended a health centre closure in Hudson’s Hope another week.

According to the health authority’s Emergency Department Status page, the Hudson’s Hope Health Centre is temporarily closed until 8:30 a.m. on April 27th. 

Northern Health originally announced the health centre would close on April 10th, stating it would reopen at 8:30 a.m. on April 13th. The closure was then extended until April 15th, after which the health authority announced it would remain closed until April 20th.  

In a previous statement to Energeticcity.ca, Northern Health said the centre is experiencing interruptions due to a “staffing shortage.”

“Many small health centres with limited base staffing, as well as limited backup/casual or locum staffing availability, are susceptible to service interruptions due to expected or unanticipated staff absences,” Northern Health said

The health authority explained the health centre is currently being served by one physician working part-time. 

“Northern Health is continuing to actively recruit for a second family physician for the community who would bring the full-time equivalent physician coverage to 1.3,” Northern Health stated. 

The centre’s regular operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday to Friday. 

Residents are urged to monitor the Emergency Department Status page for the latest information on health centre and emergency room statuses. 

During a service diversion, individuals in need of life-threatening medical care are advised to call 911 for transportation to the nearest medical facility. 

Non-life-threatening medical care can be accessed via the Northern Health Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 

The health centre has previously closed from March 26th to April 7th.