For the first time since the deadly mass shooting in February, the emergency department at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre was placed on diversion.
According to Northern Health, emergency services were temporarily interrupted Monday afternoon between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. due to unexpected staffing challenges.
According to Northern Health’s emergency room status website, the emergency department has since reopened.
The temporary disruption comes just weeks after emergency care hours were expanded in the community.
Earlier this month, the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre returned to seven-day-a-week emergency coverage, operating from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The change followed strong community backlash after Northern Health announced reductions to after-hours emergency services in Tumbler Ridge.
Since the February tragedy, Northern Health says it has been working to improve access to care and expand mental health supports in the community.