The recent change in healthcare services has created some confusion in town.
Because the hospital, including X-ray, Lab, in and out-patient care, is still open all non-emergency matters are handled in town. Only the emergency room is closed.
“Vanderhoof doctors are not accepting new patients,” said Hughes
Only Emergency matters will be transferred to Vanderhoof. If Fort St. James residents are transported by ambulance they must find their own way home.
“People keep getting stranded in Vanderhoof,” said Hughes.
For non-emergency situations the clinic is still running and is taking appointments on a day to day basis to preserve time for any emergencies that might spring up according to the clinic. Clinic staff suggests calling early in the day to book your appointment.
“Appointments are filling up fast,” said Kathy Marchall, the clinic manager.
The speed at which the appointments fill up could mean days before being able to make an appointment.
“They need to keep trying back everyday to see if they can get in to us,” said Marchall.
Dr. Gustus and Dr. Shani van der Spuy will each be in one day a week to help alleviate the stress on the clinic.
The clinic is also running refill clinics, to refill long-term prescriptions, Wednesday afternoon 1 p.m. to 4 p.m..
While some emergencies are obvious, when life or limb is threatened, others are less so. For situations in which it is not certain whether it is an emergency or not the BC medical line, at 811, will help with assessment.
Nurses at the hospital will also be able to help direct people on where they should go for treatment.