Emergency rooms in Northwest B.C. are seeing a positive shift as staffing shortages improve. Between August 2024 and January 2025, ER closures in Prince Rupert, Masset, and Kitimat dropped significantly after a tough start to the year. Masset, for example, went from 33 closures in the first half of 2024 to just eight in the following months. Prince Rupert also saw a reduction in interruptions, from 16 to nine.
Northern Health continues to work on stabilizing emergency services, with 285 new hires since 2024 and expanded recruitment incentives. The health authority has also implemented virtual services and locum staff to fill gaps. However, Northern Health is still facing a 20.17% vacancy rate, with critical positions like physicians and nurses still being filled. Despite the ongoing challenges, these steps are helping improve emergency care across the region.
Comments