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Departing physicians, ER closures put Prince Rupert on red alert

Mayor says he will speak to minister of health to underscore criticality of healthcare shortage
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The emergency room at the Prince Rupert Regional Hospital was closed overnight on March 9 due to a physician shortage. Along with the emergency room closure, Prince Rupert residents are worried about healthcare staffing shortages, with an unconfirmed number of physicians leaving the area or retiring. (Seth Forward/The Northern View)

A recent emergency room closure and rumours of as many as eight physicians relocating or retiring has created serious concern for the Prince Rupert community.

Northern Health has confirmed that an unspecified number of physicians will either leave Prince Rupert or retire in the near future, furthering fears in a community that is already short of doctors.

However, the health authority also confirmed there will be three new physicians coming to the city before the end of 2024.

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About the Author: Seth Forward, Local Journalism Initiative

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