TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. - Residents in Tumbler Ridge will face a temporary interruption to emergency department services Wednesday afternoon due to staffing challenges at the community’s hospital.
Northern Health says the emergency department at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre will be closed from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, August 26 because of staffing shortages.
Health officials are urging anyone experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, including chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding, to call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.
Northern Health said local partners involved in patient transfers and health services have been notified of the closure, and signage will be posted at the hospital directing patients to call emergency services if required.
The health authority noted that emergency department status can change on short notice and encouraged residents to check the Northern Health emergency department status webpage for the most up-to-date information about service availability.
For non-urgent medical concerns, patients without a primary care provider can access the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic, which operates daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.