CHETWYND, B.C. — Residents in Chetwynd and the surrounding area faced another temporary interruption to emergency department services at Chetwynd Hospital over the weekend.
Once again, Northern Health cited unexpected staffing challenges as the reason for the closure
According to Northern Health, emergency department services were unavailable starting from 7 a.m. on Suturday, July 25th until 8 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.
During the service interruption, people experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies, including chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, were advised to call 911 for transport to the nearest appropriate facility.
Northern Health said local health partners and patient transfer services were notified of the closure, and signage was posted at the hospital to direct patients.
The latest interruption is one of several temporary emergency department closures Northern Health facilities have experienced in recent years.
The health authority continues to face ongoing recruitment and staffing pressures.
Northern Health thanked residents for their understanding and support of local health-care workers.
Health officials noted that emergency department status can change abruptly and encouraged residents to check Northern Health’s real-time emergency department status webpage for the latest information.