News

Every New Year’s Day, Northern Health monitors its hospitals and labour and delivery units for the birth of New Year’s babies across the region.

Watch this page for updates on the birth of New Year’s babies in communities across the North.

Smithers’ New Year’s Baby is a boy!

Baby boy Nathan was born at 12:08 pm January 1st at Bulkley Valley District Hospital, weighing 8 lbs, 6 oz. He is welcomed to the world by a big brother. Happy Birthday, little one – and congratulations to the family!

Dr. Margo Greenwood, an Indigenous scholar of Cree ancestry, has worked for over 30 years to transform the health and well-being of Indigenous children, families, and communities. Her work creates a more just and equitable Canada.

Northern Health Medical Health Officers have declared an end to a COVID-19 outbreak at Laurier Manor assisted living facility in Prince George, BC.

At the time of the outbreak declaration, there were two lab-confirmed cases of COVID-19 among facility residents. There have been no new cases associated with the outbreak since the declaration. Sadly, one of the residents who had tested positive, has since passed away.

Northern Health (NH) is updating public health orders for Gatherings and Events, to align with Provincial Health Officer Orders, and to allow worship services with COVID-19 safety requirements in place, including vaccination.

The regional public health orders covering all of the NH region are in response to sustained rates of COVID-19 activity and the impact on health care resources.  

Northern Health’s acute care facilities in Northwest BC are working with physicians, and provincial patient transfer partners to ensure patients have continued access to diagnostic imaging for their care needs.

Northern Health Medical Health Officers have declared an end to a COVID-19 outbreak on Meadow House at Peace Villa in Fort St. John.

Since the outbreak was declared on November 4, three residents and three staff tested positive for COVID-19 in association with the outbreak. Sadly, one resident who had tested positive in association with this outbreak has passed away.

There have been no new cases associated with the outbreak since early November.

There has been an increase in overdose events in the community of Quesnel. The reported substance is light purple/blue in powder/pebbles sold as down, when broken apart it turns pink.

This substance is highly toxic, causes heavy and prolonged sedation, and requires more naloxone to reverse. Overdoses are occurring when the substance is injected.

The Northern Health Connections program will run on a modified schedule starting December 21, leading up to a holiday season break.

NH Connections provides transportation for clients travelling to non-emergent health services outside their home communities. A variety of routes connect communities across Northern BC, along with service to Vancouver. Demand for the service typically drops over the holiday season as fewer people book health care appointments.