Port Hardy’s ER Closure Sparks Call for 24/7 Reopening

The emergency room (ER) at Port Hardy Hospital, closed for over 31 months, faces renewed calls for its reopening to 24-hour service. Dr. Alex Nataros, the medical director of the North Island Community Health Centre, expressed confusion over the prolonged closure, stating that the community has sufficient medical personnel to operate the facility effectively.

Port Hardy, located at the northern tip of Vancouver Island, has a population of about 4,000 residents, alongside three First Nations communities. Dr. Nataros highlighted that at least eight doctors are currently practicing in the area, all of whom have indicated their willingness to staff the ER. He noted that prior to the closure, the department was managed by three or four medical professionals, raising questions about the ongoing inability to provide round-the-clock emergency services.

“I don’t understand why this has happened, when we have enough doctors, that we are unable to have a functioning emergency room,” Dr. Nataros commented. He emphasized that the lack of an operational ER poses a significant risk to the over 5,000 patients served by the North Island Community Health Centre, labeling the situation as a crisis.

Community Impact and Current Services

While Port Hardy’s ER remains shuttered at night, nearby Port McNeill has been providing emergency services to residents of Port Hardy. Island Health, the regional health authority, acknowledged the challenges in restoring 24-hour ER operations. In a statement, the organization noted ongoing recruitment efforts for the ER but highlighted that “physician coverage is not the only limiting factor,” emphasizing the necessity for ER-certified nurses and laboratory staff as essential components for a fully functional emergency department.

Dr. Michelle Weizel, acting vice-president for medicine at Island Health, pointed out that an emergency department requires more than just physicians to operate 24/7. She reiterated that Island Health is committed to improving recruitment strategies and that all doctors registered with the College of Physicians and Surgeons are eligible to apply for privileges to work within their facilities.

“We very much appreciate the physicians locally who have chosen to work in the emergency department at Port Hardy Hospital,” Dr. Weizel stated.

Concerns Over Recruitment and Accountability

Dr. Nataros has raised concerns that the difficulty in recruiting physicians for the ER may stem from a punitive response by Island Health to comments he made earlier this year. In February 2023, he publicly called for the resignation of Island Health’s chief medical health officer, **Bill Williams**. This commentary has led to speculation about whether the health authority is withholding opportunities for local doctors as a result.

The ongoing closure of the emergency room has prompted discussions within the community about the adequacy of healthcare services in a region that relies heavily on accessible emergency care. As the situation develops, many residents and healthcare professionals are hopeful that a resolution will be reached to restore full emergency services to Port Hardy.

Dr. Nataros remains committed to advocating for the reopening of the ER, insisting that it is crucial for the health and safety of the community. The dialogue surrounding the closure reflects broader concerns about healthcare accessibility in rural areas, as well as the importance of local governance in managing health services effectively.