Dawson Creek hospital emergency department to close Friday evening

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Northern Health has announced via Facebook another diversion will occur at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital on Friday evening.

According to the health authority, the emergency department will close at 4:00 p.m. on July 19th and open at 7:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, July 20th, due to “nursing coverage challenges” at the hospital.

Residents needing life-threatening treatment are urged to call 9-1-1 for immediate transfer to the nearest facility. 

Meanwhile, patients with non-urgent needs can call the NH Virtual Clinic at 1-844-645-7811 daily until 10 p.m. to speak with a doctor or nurse care practitioner. 

Several diversions have occurred in July in various northeastern B.C. hospitals, including Chetwynd, Fort Nelson, and Fort St. John.

At their latest council meeting, the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) discussed sending a letter requesting an audit of Northern Health’s financial, operational, and workplace conditions.

PRRD Director Darryl Krakowa suggested sending weekly letters until the district receives an appropriate response.

The board also invited Northern Health CEO Ciro Panessa to a future PRRD Committee of the Whole meeting as soon as possible.