ICU at West Coast General Hospital in B.C. Closes Indefinitely

URGENT UPDATE: The ICU at West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) in Port Alberni, B.C., has been closed indefinitely due to a critical staffing shortage. This shocking development, announced by Island Health, leaves the three-bed unit unavailable to patients from Port Alberni to Tofino, including 10 Nuu-Chah-Nulth communities.

Officials confirm that the closure is a temporary measure until adequate staffing levels are restored. In a statement, Island Health reassured the public that the emergency department remains open and staffed by experienced nurses and physicians. However, patients requiring ICU admission will now be stabilized at WCGH and then transferred to the nearest available facility, primarily Nanaimo Regional General Hospital, which is approximately 85 kilometers or a 70-minute drive away.

“It’s a big worry for everyone,” said Judith Sayers, president of the Nuu-Chah-Nulth Tribal Council. “Our people are really concerned that the services aren’t available here, making it really hard to go see loved ones that are in there.”

The ICU at WCGH has faced diversions over the past 18 months, with patients often being sent to other hospitals. Brennan Day, the opposition Rural Health Critic, expressed alarm that this closure indicates a longer-term crisis. He pointed out that the decision will create a ripple effect across Vancouver Island, stressing that facilities like Comox Valley Hospital are already overcrowded and at capacity.

“When we close one facility, it’s transferring that workload onto staff that are already at the end of their rope,” said Day. He highlighted that the ongoing doctor shortages in rural ICUs stem from contract negotiation challenges and lack of incentives for doctors to work outside traditional hours, leading many to leave for general practice.

The situation is further complicated by a staggering loss of ICU doctors, with Comox Valley Hospital losing six ICU specialists since 2022, and another set to leave early next year. This trend raises serious concerns about the sustainability of healthcare services in these communities.

The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated. As rural hospitals across B.C. and Canada face similar staffing shortages, the consequences of such closures threaten to overwhelm the remaining healthcare facilities. Residents and families are left in a precarious position, anxious about access to critical care.

As the situation develops, the community is urged to stay informed on further updates regarding healthcare services in the region. The immediate focus remains on securing sufficient staffing to reopen the ICU at WCGH and ensuring that all patients receive the urgent care they need.