Having no physician coverage at the Lakes District Hospital emergency room is more than just a little concerning.
This has been an issue that has been at the forefront of local conversation for months and it seems that things may have gotten worse rather than better.
Were we not promised that there would be 24/7 coverage for the emergency room? What happened to that?
While Northern Health may ‘plan’ the diversions, local residents are unable to plan their accidents and illnesses to coordinate with when a physician may, or may not be available to treat them in an emergency situation.
Six diversions, planned or not, is six days or nights when local lives are being placed at an additional risk.
This matter affects the entire community …. families, the elderly, local industry workers, motorists.
The local area is fueled by industry.
This work can be dangerous and accidents will invariably happen.
It is all very well to have a contingency plan in place to transport local emergency room patients to Prince George or Smithers, but what if the nature of the emergency is so serious that the patient doesn’t have the two to three hours spare?
If a physician is on duty at the Lakes District Hospital, at the very least there is the opportunity for the patient to be properly assessed and stabilized if before being transported to another hospital for further treatment.
During the times a diversion is in place and a physician is not available, lives are placed at risk.
It is that serious.
Also, if diversions are planned ahead of time, would it not be prudent for Northern Health to first notify the community?
Perhaps advertise the fact that there will be a diversion at the Lakes District Hospital at this time on this day ... it might be helpful.
Thank goodness that Margaret Penner is now in recovery after her traumatic ordeal.
From the sound of it, all stoke patients in Burns Lake are put through the same ordeal whether a physician is on duty or not, as a CT scan is necessary.
I wonder if locals already realize this?
It was something I was not aware of until last week and is concerning to say the least.
Those with high blood pressure as well as diabetics are all at risk of a stroke.
How many community members does this constitute?
The Lakes District Hospital services, not just Burns Lake, but an expansive area including the Southside and Granisle .... all these residents rely on the service, especially in emergency situations.
Northern Health did say back in February that there would be 24/7 emergency room coverage despite the doctor shortage, so locals need not be concerned.
I have to wonder, if Northern Health can plan a diversion at the Lakes District Hospital .... then why can’t they plan to bring in a locum ahead of time?