Northern health has announced on social media it’s now considering changes to after-hours coverage in Tumbler Ridge to be temporary.
Northern Health reduced on-call services, creating coverage gaps. On-call services are now available from 8 am to 9 am in the morning, and from 5 pm to 7 pm in the evening, leaving the community without emergency services late at night and on weekends.
“For clarity on what has changed at this time, overnight on-call in Tumbler Ridge is being replaced by 911 direct BC Ambulance response to emergency call overnight,” said Northern Health.
The health authority said it’s hearing concerns expressed by the community at the Town Hall meeting on Sunday.
It wants to continue increasing BC Ambulance coverage, quicker response time, and recruit and retain health care worker more efficiently.
Northern health noted that Tumbler Ridge averages less than five after hour calls a week, adding that the majority don’t require emergency hospital care.
It said the model was design to better recruit and support staff, without an added burden of overnight call coverage, which can have a negative impact on primary care during the day.
The health authority continues to listen to the community and explores different opportunities to make further adjustments.