TUMBLER RIDGE, B.C. - Residents in Tumbler Ridge could see a new approach to emergency health care in the coming year as planning gets underway for a virtual 24/7 emergency care model.
According to the District of Tumbler Ridge, the model is being developed in response to changes in physician availability and is intended to provide greater flexibility and continuity of emergency care services.
Further details on how the system would operate locally are expected as planning progresses.
The district said it had been working with Northern Health on a joint community update, but Northern Health was unable to participate in the release because of restrictions associated with the provincial election period.
The district said it wanted residents to continue receiving timely information about local health services and shared the update based on ongoing discussions with the health authority.
Currently, emergency care and mental health supports remain available at the Tumbler Ridge Health Centre daily from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., including weekends and holidays.
The district said health services have expanded over the past several months, with increased physician, locum, nursing and allied health staffing helping to improve stability at the facility.
Recruitment efforts also continue as the community currently only has one full-time doctor. Two full-time physician positions are currently posted for Tumbler Ridge, while two nurse practitioner positions have been established through the South Peace Primary Care Network and are open for recruitment.
Northern Health has advised the positions are intended to support both primary care and emergency department services.
The district said it will continue to share updates with residents as more information becomes available about the proposed virtual emergency care model and any additional changes to local health services.