Northern Health is advising Fort St. John and area residents that Fort St. John Hospital is currently experiencing higher than normal patient volumes. This increase is leading to longer wait times across several departments, including the emergency room.
To help ease pressure on emergency and acute care services, residents with less urgent health concerns are encouraged to seek care through alternative options. Patients are advised to visit their family doctor or nurse practitioner during regular business hours whenever possible.
For those without a primary care provider, the Northern Health Virtual Clinic offers virtual appointments daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., including weekends and statutory holidays. Virtual clinic nurses can also help coordinate care with a patient’s existing provider or connect them to local community resources.
Northern BC residents may also book appointments with pharmacists for treatment of 21 minor ailments and for prescription contraceptives. Indigenous people and their family members living in BC who have limited or no access to a doctor can access care through the First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day program.
Residents who are unsure whether their condition requires an emergency room visit can contact HealthLink BC by calling 8-1-1 for non-emergency health advice at any time.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency, including chest pain, severe bleeding, breathing difficulties, or serious injuries, should call 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency department.
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