Port Alberni Hospital Halts Admissions Amid Staffing Shortages

West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) in Port Alberni has announced a temporary halt to some patient admissions due to ongoing staffing shortages. This measure, effective immediately, aims to maintain patient safety while the hospital manages its resources. The emergency department will continue to operate, ensuring that critical care remains available for those in need.

Patients affected by this decision will primarily include those without a family doctor currently affiliated with WCGH, who require hospital admission but do not need specialist care. According to a statement from Island Health, this situation may necessitate the transfer of two to three patients daily to other facilities. Individuals with physicians at WCGH, known as “hospitalists,” will still be eligible for admission.

Efforts to Address Staffing Challenges

Surgical, psychiatric, and labor and delivery services at WCGH will proceed as scheduled. Dawn Thomas, Vice President of Island Health responsible for WCGH and Indigenous Health, expressed empathy for the community’s concerns, stating, “We know this is an extremely difficult thing for people in the Alberni Valley and West Coast to hear. Island Health fully acknowledges that the current situation at WCGH is unacceptable.”

Thomas committed to intensifying efforts to restore services at the hospital, acknowledging feedback from community and First Nations leaders regarding the inadequacy of current healthcare provisions. The hospital is collaborating with BCEHS and the Patient Transfer Network to ensure that resources are in place for safe and timely patient transfers.

Ben Williams, Vice President of Medicine at Island Health and a locum physician at WCGH, noted the impact of the staffing shortage on patient care. “The reality is that we do not have enough physicians providing inpatient care at WCGH to ensure a consistent, safe environment for all patients who require admission,” he stated. Williams emphasized the hospital’s obligation to provide safe care, underscoring the community’s reliance on WCGH.

Future Outlook and Community Impact

Island Health is actively negotiating to increase staffing levels and exploring alternative options to sustain services at WCGH. While no timeline has been established for the resumption of full admissions, the organization is prioritizing patient safety and care quality. Those experiencing emergency medical situations are encouraged to call 911 for assistance.

The decision to pause admissions underscores the pressing issue of staffing within healthcare systems in many regions. As WCGH navigates this challenging situation, the focus remains on providing essential services while addressing the needs of the community it serves.