Northern Health confirms 2027 hire for Tumbler Ridge

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — Northern Health has confirmed a new recruit is due to bolster the staffing levels at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre – in 2027 – as it explores how emergency healthcare will be provided in the community going forward.

In a Facebook post uploaded to Northern Health Tumbler Ridge and Area group, the health authority has given an update on the steps it is considering for the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre emergency service. 

In September, due to short staffing, Northern Health had reduced the health centre’s on-call ER hours from overnight and on weekends to just 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays.

The move was controversial, with the Tumbler Ridge community protesting the cuts.

In the December 9th update, Northern Health said interviews have been done for two practice-ready assessment candidates, which is an accelerated pathway for an internationally-trained physician to get licensed in Canada. This results in a service commitment of three years in the community. 

One of candidates “should be” joining in spring 2027. 

It is also exploring a move to seven-day-a-week, 10-hours-a-day walk-in emergency service as physician recruitment stabilizes to best match volume and demand. 

Additionally, two positions for family physicians remain open and Northern Health has also posted a job advert for a nurse practitioner to help strengthen care and support. 

The health authority reiterated the community has access to two staffed 24/7 local ambulances and there is a new advanced care paramedic ambulance based in Dawson Creek to respond to 911 calls in the area. 

It said Northern Health CEO Ciro Panessa and vice president of clinical operations Lisa Zetes-Zanatta have spoken with the mayor of Tumbler Ridge, Darryl Krakowka, and district staff about the issue.

Northern Health was also due to meet with a Tumbler Ridge delegation at the board meeting in Prince George on December 9th.