Due to limited care provider availability, the Port Hardy Hospital (PHH) emergency department (ED) will be closed from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on April 22.
The PHH ED will re-open as normally scheduled at 7 a.m. on April 23.
Port McNeill Hospital ED will remain open 24/7. During this time of emergency department closure, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at PHH and the adjacent long-term care home.
Anyone experiencing a medical emergency while the ED is closed should call 911 or, if possible, proceed to Port McNeill Hospital ED. Do not go to the ED during the hours it is closed, as this will delay your access to care. Island Health and BC Emergency Health Services have protocols in place to ensure people calling 911 are transported to the appropriate site.
If you are unsure if you are experiencing a medical situation requiring a visit to an emergency department, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free, 24/7 by calling HealthLink BC at 811.
First Nations communities and individuals can also access the First Nations Health Authority’s First Nations Virtual Doctor of the Day services from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 7 days a week. Indigenous people and their family members can access the program to address their health and wellness needs. Please call 1-855-344-3800 to book an appointment.
Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service interruption.