Island Health is advising that, despite significant effort to fill shifts, there is a temporary shortage of registered nurses and physicians over the holiday season resulting in a temporary service reduction at the Port Alice Health Centre.
Urgent and primary care services will not be available at the Port Alice Health Centre for the following days:
- December 25
- December 26
- December 27
- December 28
- December 29
The Centre will be open during regular business hours (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) on December 27, 28 and 29 for patients picking up prescriptions sent from pharmacies in Port Hardy and Port McNeill. Residents picking up prescriptions are asked to call ahead to 250-284-3555. The Centre will be fully closed on December 25 and December 26.
Urgent and primary care services will resume at 8:30 a.m. on December 30.
In the event of a medical emergency, residents are advised to call 911 or proceed to the Port McNeill or Port Hardy Hospital. For non-urgent care during this period, residents can access the Port McNeill or Port Hardy Hospital. Confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse is available toll free, 24/7 by calling HealthLink BC at 811.
Island Health acknowledges this is not an ideal situation for the community and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience experienced by this temporary service reduction.
Media inquiries:
Dominic Abassi
250.755.7966
Dominic.abassi@islandhealth.ca