DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Emergency department services at Dawson Creek District Hospital were temporarily interrupted overnight due to staffing shortages, underscoring ongoing pressures on the healthcare system in the region.
According to health officials, the ER closed at midnight Wednesday and was scheduled to reopen at 7 a.m. Thursday.
Northern Health says the interruption was necessary because of limited staffing, a recurring issue affecting rural hospitals across Northern B.C.
Residents requiring life-threatening emergency care during the closure were advised to call 911, ensuring transport to the nearest available facility.
For non-urgent medical needs, patients were encouraged to use alternative care options, including the Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic, which provides access to doctors and nurse practitioners by phone.
Additional supports include virtual care services for Indigenous residents and pharmacist-led care for minor ailments, along with 24/7 health advice through HealthLink BC.
Northern Health notes emergency department statuses can change quickly and directs residents to its online dashboard for real-time updates.
Temporary ER closures have become increasingly common in smaller northern communities, raising concerns about access to timely care in the Peace Region.