Irregular planned diversions at Dawson Creek Hospital this week

DAWSON CREEK — Challenges with physician and nursing staff coverage are expected to require irregular planned diversions of the emergency department at Dawson Creek and District Hospital between Aug. 8 and 14.

Northern Health said the diversions are necessary to ensure safe patient care, and adequate relief for existing staff.

The emergency room is the only department affected during periods of diversion and the rest of the Dawson Creek hospital will remain open. Current inpatients will not be impacted.

Dawson Creek residents with emergency health care needs should call 9-1-1 for transport to the most appropriate and available facility, regardless of the Dawson Creek emergency room status. Northern Health said it has worked with B.C. Emergency Health Services and the Patient Transfer Network to ensure all emergencies can be managed during any diversion periods.