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Prince Rupert closes again due to MD shortage

Northern Health said the emergency room was closed from 12 a.m. until 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 9
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The emergency room at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital was closed overnight on March 9 due to a physician shortage. (Seth Forward/The Northern View)

The emergency room at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital was closed from 12 a.m. until 8 a.m. on March 9 according to Northern Health.

The health authority said a physician shortage caused the overnight closure.

Anyone suffering from severe injuries was asked to call 9-1-1 so they could be transported to the nearest suitable hospital.

“We are continually working to arrange nursing staff and physician coverage, and the timing of this service interruption may be adjusted depending on shift coverage,” said a Northern Health Facebook post announcing the temporary closure.

Physician shortages have been brought up multiple times at recent Prince Rupert city council meetings, with the city promising to get more involved in recruitment efforts for healthcare staff.

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About the Author: Seth Forward, Local Journalism Initiative

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