‘Staffing shortage’ closes Dawson Creek maternity ward overnight

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Dawson Creek’s maternity ward has reopened after a 19-hour “staffing shortage” closed the department. 

According to a statement from Northern Health in the evening of March 4th, maternity services were unavailable at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital overnight. 

From 1 p.m. on March 4th to 8 a.m. on March 5th, a “staffing shortage” caused pregnant patients to be diverted to the Fort St. John Hospital’s birthing center, which Northern Health said was “prepared” to receive Dawson Creek patients. 

Northern Health also explained the Dawson Creek and District Hospital’s emergency department was also prepared to receive patients “needing urgent care.” 

“Patients were notified about the service interruptions at the Dawson Creek and District Hospital and provided with information about what they should do, should they need care,” Northern Health stated. 

This is the first closure of a Northern Health-operated medical facility in March, after the health authority experienced at least five ER department closures in northeast B.C. for a total of 82 hours in February.