Staffing challenges close Fort Nelson Emergency Department overnight

FORT NELSON, B.C. — Emergency department services will be unavailable overnight from July 19 to 20 at Fort Nelson General Hospital. 

Northern Health is advising residents in Fort Nelson that emergency department services at Fort Nelson General Hospital will be unavailable from 5 p.m. on July 19 to 7 a.m. on July 20 due to staffing challenges.

According to Northern Health, the emergency department will reopen at 7 a.m. on July 20. 

Residents are reminded to continue monitoring the Northern Health Emergency Department Status page for up-to-date information. 

Anyone in the Fort Nelson area who requires life-threatening emergency care can call 911 to be transported to the nearest available medical facility. 

Northern Health said its partners in patient transfer and local health services are notified when services are disrupted, and signage advising patients to call 911 for transport is placed at the hospital. 

Patients without a primary care provider who require non-urgent care can contact the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic by calling 1-844-645-7811 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily for access to a family doctor or nurse practitioner. 

The First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program is also available to Indigenous people and family members with little or no access to their own doctors, who can make virtual appointments by calling 1-855-344-3800. 

Northern B.C. residents can book an appointment with a pharmacist online for minor ailments and prescription contraceptives. 

Patients who are unsure whether their medical condition warrants a visit to the emergency room, or who seek emergency advice, can contact HealthLink BC at 811 or visit the HealthLink BC website for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

Northern Health appreciates residents’ continued patience and understanding, as well as their support for its dedicated health care providers and staff.