Northern Health has announced a temporary closure at Dawson Creek and District Hospital’s emergency department. Residents are advised that the ER will be closed for 10 hours on Thursday, August 21, from 5 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The closure is due to staffing challenges, marking the second emergency department shutdown in northeast British Columbia within a short period. Fort Nelson General Hospital also faced a temporary closure on August 20 for similar staffing issues.
Residents in the Dawson Creek area who experience life-threatening emergencies during the closure are urged to call 9-1-1 immediately. Ambulance services will transport patients to the nearest available emergency facility.
For non-urgent medical concerns, patients are advised to contact their primary care provider to schedule an appointment. Alternatively, residents can access healthcare support through the Virtual Primary and Community Care clinic. The service is available by phone at 1-844-645-7811 daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. to speak with a healthcare professional.
Indigenous residents and their families with limited access to their own doctors can also use the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program. This service allows virtual appointments seven days a week from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. by calling 1-855-344-3800.
Health authorities say these temporary closures are necessary to ensure safe and effective care. Staffing shortages have become a significant challenge across several hospitals in the region, prompting emergency adjustments to maintain patient safety.
Northern Health continues to monitor staffing levels and will provide updates on reopening times. Residents are encouraged to stay informed through official channels for the latest information on healthcare availability.
While emergency services are limited during these hours, Northern Health stresses that urgent care will still be accessible through 9-1-1 and nearby emergency facilities. Non-urgent cases should be managed through virtual or primary care channels to reduce strain on hospital staff.
This measure reflects ongoing challenges in maintaining consistent hospital staffing, a situation affecting multiple healthcare facilities in northeast B.C. Health authorities are working to address shortages and prevent disruptions to essential medical services.
Residents are advised to plan ahead for medical needs and make use of virtual care options whenever possible. The combination of phone-based and virtual healthcare services aims to ensure patients receive timely attention, even during temporary ER closures.
Northern Health has reiterated the importance of using emergency services responsibly. Life-threatening situations require immediate attention via 9-1-1, while minor health issues can be managed through virtual consultations or appointments with primary care providers.
Temporary closures, like the one at Dawson Creek hospital, highlight the ongoing pressures faced by healthcare systems in rural and remote areas. Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared, ensuring they know alternative options for urgent and routine medical care.
