Northern Health is offering a glimmer of hope to Tumbler Ridge residents through a new health services community update.
The health authority said it’s exploring the possibility of a new emergency department model with significant coverage improvements.
The proposed model would offer walk-in emergency services seven days a week for 10 hours a day.
Health officials said the change would only be possible once additional physicians are hired.
Northern Health said it has been working to stabilize the recruitment of health care workers.
It said two family physician positions remain posted, and a first-ever nurse practitioner position has also recently been advertised.
“A Nurse Practitioner will be able to work in the emergency department, and this will expand the number and type of health care professionals working in the community,” officials said.
In addition, two Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) physicians were interviewed for positions in Tumbler Ridge. One candidate was matched and is expected to join the community in Spring 2027.
“All diagnostic positions, including lab and X-ray, are fully staffed, and we’re seeing improved efficiency and processes as a result,” Northern Health said.
Officials added that wait times at the Primary Care Clinic have also improved, saying patients can often see a provider within a day.
The health authority said Tumbler Ridge has seen a significant decrease in service interruptions since September compared to the same period last year.
The emergency department was on diversion 25 times between September and November 2024, but this year, it only experienced two daytime service interruptions.
“We acknowledge that this is still too many and are committed to reducing emergency department interruptions,” officials said.
Northern Health said emergency room visits in tumbler Ridge have remained steady at about eight a day, adding that many visits have shifted to daytime hours.
Despite the effort to improve emergency coverage, officials emphasize that Tumbler Ridge continues to have after-hours care.
They said two local ambulances are staffed around the clock, and a new advanced-care paramedic ambulance based in Dawson Creek is available for calls requiring a higher level of care.
“Your community continues to have 24/7 emergency service. The ER is open during regular daytime hours, and if you need emergency care after hours, call 9-1-1,” officials told residents.
Northern Health did not provide a timeline for when the new emergency care model could be implemented.