The Port Hardy Hospital emergency department is facing its first closure since the provincial government announced $30 million to stabilize health care on the North Island.
On Jan. 27, B.C. Health Minister Adrian Dix made the announcement, focusing on keeping hospital emergency rooms and other health care services open on a regular, consistent basis.
READ MORE: B.C. announces $30 million for North Island health-care services
At the time, Dix pledged that the Port Hardy ER would be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week.
Now, the emergency department will be closed on April 22 due to limited care provider availability.
The Port McNeill Hospital will remain open 24/7, and anyone experiencing a medical emergency can call 911 or, if possible, proceed to the Port McNeill Hospital.
While this is the first closure for the Port Hardy emergency deparment, the Cormorant Island emergency department has had a number of closures since the province’s announcement.
The ʼNa̱mǥis First Nation and Island Health have been working to recruit doctors to keep the ER open, but have not been able to secure enough coverage.
READ MORE: ʼNa̱mǥis, Island Health working to address emergency department closure
Laura Brougham
