The District of Tumbler Ridge and Northern Health have announced a new health-care approach that could restore after-hours emergency room services.
In a joint statement, the partners say they have agreed to work together on a “new alternative overnight ER service.”
The partners say they are exploring innovative options, such as virtual care, to restore overnight and weekend emergency services.
“The new alternative care approach will rebuild a model of health care services that addresses the desire for an overnight ER service that can be sustained without compromising the stability of primary and community care services at Tumbler Ridge Health Centre,” the statement reads.
The partners also say they will keep residents informed about timelines and decisions by providing regular updates.
The district and Northern Health have been focused on finding solutions since November. However, the recent mass shooting has made the health authority more determined to fix the issue.
The emergency room at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre is currently open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
ER services in Tumbler Ridge were reduced in September due to staffing challenges. Since then, residents who require emergency care have had to be transferred by ambulance to the nearest hospital after regular hours.