FORT NELSON, B.C. - Emergency department services at Fort Nelson General Hospital have resumed after a temporary weekend closure caused by staffing challenges.
According to Northern Health, the emergency department was closed on Saturday, July 11, and remained closed on Sunday as the health authority deals with ongoing staffing pressures.
During the interruption, residents requiring emergency care were advised to call 911 and seek treatment at the nearest available and appropriate facility.
Northern Health said patient transfer partners and local health-care services were notified of the service disruption, while signage was posted at the hospital directing patients to call 911 if emergency transportation was needed.
The health authority noted that emergency department service levels can change on short notice and encouraged residents to monitor its emergency department status webpage for the latest information on care availability.
Northern Health did not provide additional details about the specific staffing challenges that led to the closure.
The interruption marks the latest in a series of temporary service disruptions that have affected health-care facilities across Northeast B.C. as Northern Health continues to contend with staffing shortages in rural and northern communities.