Tumbler Ridge and Northern Health to work on new alternative overnight ER service

TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. — The District of Tumbler Ridge and Northern Health will be working together towards a new alternative overnight emergency service. 

According to a joint statement from the District of Tumbler Ridge and Northern Health on April 29th, the new approach will rebuild healthcare services to address the demand for an overnight ER service without compromising the stability of primary and community care services at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre. 

In September 2025, Northern Health announced reduced on-call coverage in Tumbler Ridge leading to community protests. 

The April 29th statement said: “We are pleased to have reached consensus on a way forward that recognizes concerns over how emergency healthcare services are accessed overnight, while also acknowledging the necessity for change in light of recruitment and retention challenges.” 

The district and the health authority said they are committed to working together to provide the best possible access to emergency health care, while maintaining improvements in primary care capacity and mental health care support. 

Tumbler Ridge and Northern Health have remained “actively” engaged since November with a focus on constructive dialogue and identifying solutions to reinstate after-hours emergency department services. 

Although this partnership predates the February 10th school shooting tragedy, “those events have only strengthened our resolve to address this issue while continuing to support the community’s recovery effort. 

Through this collaboration, the district and Northern Health will explore innovative options, including virtual solutions and interim services will be available as plans for the overnight services progress. 

In addition, regular and coordinated updates will be provided to reduce confusion and keep residents informed of timelines. 

The statement said this effort is to rebuild trust and strengthen relationships between the community, service providers and leadership.