Residents in Masset, Old Massett, Tow Hill, and Port Clements are being notified of a temporary closure at the Emergency Department of Northern Haida Gwaii Hospital due to staffing shortages. The service will be unavailable from three o’clock Friday afternoon, December 19, until eight o’clock Sunday morning, December 21. Northern Health has indicated the closure may be extended if shifts remain unfilled, with updates to be shared with the community.
Life-threatening emergencies, including severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or significant bleeding, require residents to call BC Emergency Health Services at 1-800-461-9911 for assessment and transport to the nearest available facility. Urgent but non-life-threatening patients will be redirected to Haida Gwaii Hospital and Health Centre in Daajing Giids.
For non-urgent care needs, residents without a primary care provider can access virtual appointments through the Northern Health Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic, or Indigenous patients can use the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program. Northern BC residents can also book appointments with pharmacists for minor ailments and prescription contraceptives.
Northern Health thanks the community for understanding the temporary disruption and for supporting the dedication of healthcare staff on Haida Gwaii during this staffing challenge. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead and consider virtual care options when possible.
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