DAWSON CREEK -- The Dawson Creek Exhibition and Stampede is the busiest time of the year in Dawson Creek.
With thousands of people in town over the 4-day stretch, CJDC TV News reached out to Northern Health to ask what is being done to prevent yet another hospital diversion this weekend.
There has been a constant run of emergency room closures across the Peace Region this summer. Northern Health has continually sited a lack of nurses or physicians as the reason for the closures.
The rodeo is once again taking place this year. It is recognized as one of the most dangerous sports in the world. The importance of the emergency room staying open is clear.
CJDC TV News asked Northern Health if they can point to any specific plans they are making to prevent an ER closure this weekend.
The health authority did not directly answer the question. Instead they said they are working to limit any possible diversion, but did not elaborate.
The health authority issued a statement that said, “Northern Health makes every effort to prevent emergency department service interruptions and works to limit their duration and impact on patient care when they do unfortunately occur. Emergency departments are only ever on diversion as a last resort – when no other options are available.”
Northern Health said with an increase in visitors to the city during the Dawson Creek Exhibition, the emergency department at Dawson Creek and District Hospital may be busier than usual.
Patients who aren’t sure whether their condition would warrant an emergency room visit, or who need health advice, can call HealthLink BC (8-1-1), or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians, and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
