A Dawson Creek resident has created a more efficient way for people to access information on the status of emergency rooms across northern BC.
Romeo Macabuhay has launched a website called “Is ER Open?” that reports whether emergency rooms are operational.
The platform provides information about ERs across the Peace Region, the Northern Interior, and Northwest BC, and is not affiliated with Northern Health.
Macabuhay said the idea came from a conversation with a pregnant friend, who shared how stressful it can be to find the right information when expecting a child.
“We felt like the information was scattered,” he said. Macabuhay explained that information is often spread across different Northern Health Facebook pages or groups.
Macabuhay noted that it is often easier for people to simply call the hospital to get answers.
“There’s no single place to check whether the emergency rooms are operational,” he said.
The founder of the website experienced a similar situation when his wife was pregnant.
He said he doesn’t want others to carry the same uncertainty when they need emergency care.
That’s why Macabuhay decided to fill the gap. “I realized that this worry is likely shared by many others, including visitors who would naturally turn to Google for answers,” he said.
Macabuhay said he doesn’t blame Northern Health for the challenges attached to obtaining information.
“I know Northern Health is doing its best and is currently trying to attract more doctors to our region,” he explained. “I understand that these things take time, and I just want to help them while they figure things out.”
On Northern Health’s website, people can find information about how service interruptions work and what to do in those situations.
“Instead of complaining, I have the time, skill set, and resources to fill the gap, so why not help for the sake of the community?” he expressed.
Macabuhay said he reached out to Northern Health to ask whether the health authority would like to collaborate on maintaining the platform.
He said the biggest challenge is funding the website to make it more effective.
He built the site using only free tools but said he currently has to manually update information if an ER goes on diversion.
Macabuhay hopes “Is ER Open?” will become a collaborative platform where community members can help share timely and accurate information.
“Emergencies are called emergencies for a reason, and nobody expects them. You can only be so prepared,” he added.
Macabuhay said a reliable and up-to-date website can prevent unnecessary delays and, in some cases, make the difference between life or death.
The website is looking for volunteers to help keep the community informed.
