New triage works says northern health

Apr 20, 2026 | 3:00 PM


PRINCE GEORGE – People in Prince George can now receive care more quickly thanks to a new triage system at the Urgent and Primary Care Centre.

Northern Health says that now, instead of everyone waiting to see a doctor, visitors are assessed upon arrival and sent to the right provider. This could be a nurse, a social worker, a doctor, or a nurse practitioner.

Senior Operating Officer Greg Marr says this change is making things run more smoothly and helping more people get treated sooner.

The centre now handles about 3,500 appointments every month. Marr says this is about twice as many as when the system started in December 2024.

After another clinic closed, demand went up, leading to a 20 percent increase in appointments. Marr says staff adjusted and kept things running smoothly.

One major goal is to take pressure off the emergency department by handling urgent but non-life-threatening issues at the centre. Early signs indicate fewer lower-priority cases are going to the emergency department, which could shorten wait times for people with more serious medical needs.

Officials say anyone with symptoms of a heart attack, stroke, severe bleeding, or major injuries should still go straight to the emergency or call 911.