UPDATE: Over 1,100 sign petition for Northern Health ER closure review

UPDATE 10:30 a.m. July 18th: The petition has now surpassed 3,500 signatures.

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — Local solicitor and barrister Tyler Holte says he appreciates the Fort St. John community’s support of a petition for an independent review of Northern Health’s emergency department closures.

Holte created the petition earlier this month, saying the frequent emergency department diversions at Fort St. John Hospital are a significant threat to the community.

Since then, more than 1,100 residents have signed the petition.

“I just really appreciate all the quick and widespread support on the issue from the community,” Holte tells Energeticcity.ca. 

“I didn’t know what to expect when I launched it, and I really appreciate that there seems to be a lot of concurring minds in the community.”

Holte says, if Northern Health acknowledges the petition, he hopes the health authority doesn’t “distract from the question” of whether internal problems are at play by pointing to external factors.

“I would implore them to consider getting an independent and fresh set of eyes on the issue, as the lives of our community are at stake.”

Energeticcity reached out to Northern Health for a statement regarding the petition. The health authority did not respond in time for publication.