West Coast General Hospital Resumes Admissions Amid ICU Closure

UPDATE: West Coast General Hospital in Port Alberni has just resumed patient admissions following a critical staffing crisis. As of December 24, 2023, the hospital has secured enough hospitalist physicians to restore services for patients without primary care doctors, according to an official from Island Health.

This urgent development comes after the hospital temporarily halted admissions in mid-December due to severe staffing shortages. The return of two hospitalists, along with interest from other physicians within the Island Health network, has allowed the hospital to reopen its doors to new patients.

The situation remains fluid, as the intensive care unit (ICU) at West Coast General remains closed. Patients requiring critical care are currently being stabilized at WCGH and transferred to Nanaimo Regional General Hospital. Meanwhile, the emergency department at WCGH continues to operate 24/7, ready to assist anyone in need of urgent medical care.

Island Health officials are proactively addressing staffing challenges. A recruitment campaign is underway to attract medical staff, including targeted efforts in the United States. Josie Osborne, B.C.’s health minister and MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim, commended local physician leadership for their efforts in solving the staffing crisis. She expressed confidence that further interruptions to inpatient care are unlikely.

In a statement, Island Health extended its gratitude to the community, First Nations partners, and healthcare teams for their unwavering support during this challenging period. “We deeply appreciate the understanding shown by everyone involved,” the official said.

As recruitment efforts intensify, Island Health is prioritizing travel nurse contracts and has approved funding for an additional nursing unit assistant to bolster patient care in both the ICU and emergency department. Significant signing bonuses will also be offered for ICU and ED nursing positions, although specific figures have not been disclosed.

Looking ahead, multiple teams are on-site to assess and implement strategies to stabilize critical care services at WCGH. An action plan is being finalized to support the ICU, including virtual respiratory therapist coverage during night shifts and the installation of a new lab analyzer.

As the community rallies around West Coast General Hospital, officials urge anyone needing emergency care to call 911 or visit the emergency department immediately. The health authority remains committed to enhancing services and ensuring that residents of the Alberni Valley and West Coast receive timely and effective care.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as Island Health works tirelessly to restore full services at West Coast General Hospital.