Fort Nelson emergency department to close for second time this month

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Fort Nelson General Hospital’s emergency department is set to experience its second diversion of the month.

Northern Health posted to Facebook at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, August 20th that the department would be closed from 4 p.m. on the 20th until 7 a.m. on Thursday, August 21st due to “unexpected staffing challenges.”

This is the second closure to hit the hospital’s emergency department this month, following a 14-hour diversion on August 3rd. 

It’s also the third closure overall for the month of August, following three further closures in July.

While this closure is in effect, residents in need of life-threatening urgent care are being told to call 911 for transportation to the nearest available emergency department.

Meanwhile, those with less urgent care needs can contact their primary care provider or book an appointment with the Northern Health Virtual Care Clinic by calling 1-844-645-7811.