Northern Health has launched a new emergency department status webpage to help Northern B.C. residents quickly find out whether their local emergency department is open or temporarily closed.
The site provides real-time updates on emergency department service interruptions across the Northern Health region, which often occur due to staffing challenges. Instead of comparing wait times between hospitals, the webpage focuses on whether emergency services are available, recognizing the long distances between communities in the North.
Health Minister Josie Osborne says the webpage helps people make informed decisions during stressful situations. “When emergency departments are temporarily unavailable for any reason, the most important thing for someone facing a medical emergency is knowing where to go for care,” she said.
The website also includes information for people who may not need emergency care. Visitors can find details about urgent and primary care centres, virtual care options, and other community-based health resources.
Northern Health says the webpage supports ongoing efforts to stabilize emergency department services. The Emergency Department Stabilization Task Force, created in 2024, reports an overall 35 percent decrease in service interruptions across the region during the first seven months of 2025 compared to the same period last year.
Northern Health will continue to share information about planned or unexpected service interruptions through social media and other communication channels. Residents are encouraged to check the emergency department status webpage before traveling for care when possible.
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