Urgent Rally in Port Hardy Demands Reopening of ER After 3 Years

UPDATE: A rally in Port Hardy, B.C. is escalating calls for urgent change as residents protest the ongoing overnight closure of the local emergency room, which has been shuttered since January 2023. The emergency room at Port Hardy Hospital closes daily at 5 p.m. due to staffing shortages, forcing patients to travel 45 kilometres to Port McNeill under perilous conditions.

Dozens gathered on Friday afternoon, voicing their frustrations over the three-year-long situation. North Island Conservative MLA Anna Kindy condemned the closure, stating, “To have an emergency [room] closed after 5 [p.m.] is not acceptable whatsoever.” Kindy emphasized the dangerous drive along a winding, dark highway, exacerbated during winter with black ice and wildlife, which can significantly delay critical care.

The impact of this closure is profound. Many patients are from remote communities, and the added time during emergencies can vastly worsen health outcomes. Kindy pointed to alarming statistics from Island Health’s chief medical officer, indicating that residents in the north island are experiencing lower life expectancy and worse health outcomes, often requiring urgent medical intervention.

Local Hereditary Chief David Mungo Knox added a human element to the crisis, underscoring the struggles faced by his community due to intergenerational trauma and addiction. “We just really need Island Health to pull its socks up to look after the north island better,” Knox stated, advocating for improved health services.

The situation has prompted serious concerns, especially after the Gwa’Sala-Nakwaxda’xw Nations declared a state of emergency in March 2024, following the tragic deaths of 11 members due to drug poisoning and alcohol-related issues. The community’s plight continues to intensify as they demand immediate action from health authorities.

Despite ongoing challenges, Island Health claims progress has been made, including a recent $30 million investment aimed at enhancing healthcare services in the region. The health authority mentioned the recruitment of healthcare professionals as a key priority, although difficulties remain in securing X-ray and lab technologists, as well as ER nurses.

Port Hardy Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt acknowledged the complexity of the situation, noting that while the overnight ER closure is difficult, there have been successes in doctor recruitment that have improved access to family physicians. “Some of the progress is not being seen by the community,” she remarked, urging a balanced perspective to continue attracting healthcare workers.

As calls for government intervention grow louder, residents remain hopeful for a swift resolution to the ongoing crisis. The rally serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective healthcare solutions on Vancouver Island, demanding immediate attention from Island Health and local authorities.

What’s Next: Community leaders and healthcare officials will continue to engage with residents, and further developments are expected as the situation unfolds. Residents are urged to stay informed and participate in discussions regarding the future of their local healthcare services.