Northeast B.C. Faces Sunday Without ER Care as Fort St. John, Dawson Creek Close
Northeast British Columbia is facing a significant disruption in emergency healthcare services this weekend. While the situation has improved with the Fort St. John emergency room remaining operational, the Dawson Creek emergency department remains closed
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Northeast B.C. Emergency Room Closures
This Sunday, the emergency room at Dawson Creek & District Hospital will not provide services from 12:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. due to staffing shortages. In contrast, the Fort St. John hospital will be open all day but will close in the evening from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. Monday for maintenance.
This temporary disruption affects the two largest communities in the region, leaving them without local emergency services for several hours Sunday evening.
Immediate Care Alternatives
- For life-threatening emergencies, call 9-1-1.
- Urgent care patients will be transported to the nearest facilities.
- Non-emergency concerns can be addressed by calling 8-1-1.
Northern Health has informed local patient transfer partners and established signage in both hospitals, guiding individuals to seek emergency services as needed. The staffing challenges leading to these disruptions are a growing concern, frequently impacting rural and northern healthcare facilities.
Future of Emergency Services
Services in both communities are expected to resume following the end of the closures. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and take immediate action in the event of an emergency.
