DAWSON CREEK -- Northern Health is cutting the number of surgeries due to chronic staffing shortages and the effect that the highly transmissible Omicron variant is having on current staff.
Over the next 3 to 4 weeks, the Dawson Creek & District Hospital will be reducing surgical bookings, impacting both surgical and ambulatory care procedures.
“Northern Health is proactively identifying services to be adjusted as we manage the ongoing staffing impacts on the health system, to ensure we can continue to provide safe patient care,” said Northern Health president and CEO, Cathy Ulrich.
“Existing staffing challenges in the North are compounded by Omicron-related impacts, and some staff will need to be temporarily reassigned within communities in the region, to ensure essential service levels.”
Surgeries are also being postponed in the coming weeks at the University Hospital of Northern BC in Prince George.
“The pandemic has placed inordinate pressure on health care workers in Northern Health across all service areas,” said Ulrich
Several Long Term Care facilities in the region have paused admissions and are operating fewer beds to ensure safe provision of care within existing staffing levels.
The Health Authority also says, there are temporary reductions across the region to adult day programs and non-urgent home health services.
Patients and clients affected by service level changes will be contacted directly, as Northern Health assesses impacts and reviews alternate options for care.
