CHETWYND, B.C. – Emergency Department services at Chetwynd General Hospital will be temporarily interrupted overnight because of staffing shortages, according to Northern Health.
The health authority says the emergency department will close at 6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 17, and is expected to reopen at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Residents requiring life-threatening emergency care during the closure are being advised to call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility. Northern Health says local health services and patient transfer partners have been notified, and signage will be posted at the hospital to inform patients of the service interruption.
The health authority notes that emergency department availability can change quickly and is encouraging residents to check the real-time emergency department status page for the latest information.
For non-urgent health concerns, patients without a primary care provider can access the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic, which operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Northern Health also highlighted the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program, available to Indigenous people and their family members living in B.C. who have limited or no access to a physician.
Patients seeking advice on whether their condition requires an emergency room visit can contact HealthLink BC by dialing 8-1-1 for non-emergency information and support from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists.
Northern Health says it appreciates the public’s patience and support for health-care providers and staff as it continues to address staffing challenges affecting emergency services in the region.