Fort St. John birthing centre closes twice over Christmas
The Fort St. John Hospital’s birthing centre has closed five times in 2025, including twice during the Christmas week due to “staffing shortages.”
FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The Fort St. John Hospital’s birthing centre suffered its fourth and fifth closure this year due to “staffing shortages.”
Arthur Williams, a communications advisor with Northern Health, confirmed the birthing centre closed twice over the week of Christmas due to “staffing shortages.”
The centre was closed from 6 a.m. on December 22nd to 8 a.m. on December 23rd, and then from 4 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 28th.
“At all times, northeast B.C. residents with life-threatening emergency health needs should call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility for their needs,” Williams said.
In October, Northern Health confirmed two closures and in August the centre suffered an overnight closure. Both incidents were caused by “unexpected staffing shortages,” according to Northern Health.
The centre has closed five times throughout 2025 for a total of 53.5 hours.
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