An unexpected influx of patients has created overcrowded conditions this week in the emergency room at the University Hospital of Northern B.C.
There aren't enough rooms to handle the current patient load and extra staff have been called in to help, but Northern Health spokeswoman Eryn Collins said patient care isn't being compromised.
"In some cases it's not ideal - patients aren't necessarily in a room - that doesn't mean they're not getting all the care they require," Collins said.
In order to try to create more space, hospital staff are working with physicians, patients and their families to see who can be discharged. They're also in communication with other hospitals in the region to see if out-of-town patients currently in Prince George can be transferred closer to their home communities.
Northern Health is reminding people about other healthcare resources available in the community, including the 24-hour a day 8-1-1 phone number to connect with a registered nurse who can give medical advice. There are also walk-in clinics and family physicians available if a medical condition isn't urgent.
Collins said the emergency room at UHNBC can still accommodate incoming patients, but is encouraging people to consider all the alternatives as well.
Those who do end up in the ER will continue to be treated in order based on the severity of their condition.
"I think one of the things that can cause frustration in the emergency room (from a patient perspective) is not necessarily seeing people attended to in the order that they arrive," Collins said. "That is truly because it's a triage system and the most urgent cases have to take priority."
The health authority hasn't identified a single cause for the sudden increase in patients, but Collins suggested it could be seasonal.
"We see these surges from time to time," she said. "Sometimes it's just the time of year with increased illnesses circulating in the community and if the weather's been particularly bad there might be more slips and falls or accidents."
