Northern Health is preparing in response to expanded evacuation alerts and orders resulting from wildfire activity in the Peace region and preparing accordingly for any impact on local health services.
At this time, all NH facilities in Northeast BC remain open, including hospital emergency departments in Fort St. John, Fort Nelson and Dawson Creek.
Proactive planning for impacts on health services may include canceling non-urgent surgeries, changing referral patterns for prenatal (maternity) patients, and expanding NH Connections medical travel supports depending on local wildfire impacts.
Northern Health will make every effort to keep patients and communities updated about changes to local services, and we appreciate your patience and support for the dedicated NH staff and physicians who are continuing to provide care and services during this challenging time.
Northern Health is working closely and sharing information with Emergency Social Services (ESS), the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), and Health Emergency Management BC (HEMBC) in communities impacted by wildfire activity, including Fort St. John which has been placed on Evacuation Alert.
Patients with non-urgent health care needs are encouraged to use options such as HealthlinkBC (811), the Northern Health Virtual Primary & Community Care Clinic (call 1-844-645-7811) or their primary care provider in order to lessen pressure on emergency department resources.
The public is encouraged to follow local and provincial agencies such as Regional District Emergency Operations Centres, Emergency Info BC, and local media outlets. For more information on wildfire impacts and evacuations affecting Fort St. John and area, please visit: