The Silent Crisis: Why Port Hardy's ER Must Reopen 24/7, A Doctor's Urgent Call

A critical battle is unfolding in Port Hardy, British Columbia, where the heart of emergency healthcare remains partially shuttered. Despite a vibrant community of medical professionals, the town's emergency room operates on reduced hours, a decision a local doctor is passionately challenging. Dr.

Alex Choi is leading the charge, asserting with compelling evidence that Port Hardy has more than enough physicians to sustain a crucial 24/7 emergency service, and that the continued closures are a preventable risk to human lives.

For too long, residents of Port Hardy have faced the anxiety of knowing that after certain hours, or on particular days, their local ER may not be available.

Since late 2021, the Port Hardy Emergency Department has been plagued by "unexpected staffing shortages," leading to intermittent overnight closures and weekend reductions. This has forced patients in urgent need to travel 40 kilometers to Port McNeill for care, a journey that can be perilous in a medical crisis, especially given the challenging rural roads and weather conditions.

Dr.

Choi's argument cuts through the official narrative. He contends that the town is home to a robust roster of 15 to 20 full-time equivalent (FTE) physicians. His calculations suggest that only 5 to 7 FTEs are actually required to maintain a seamless, 24/7 emergency room schedule. "We have the bodies," Dr.

Choi emphatically states, highlighting the frustration of physicians willing and able to serve, yet constrained by what he perceives as a bureaucratic oversight or miscalculation. He has even gone so far as to draft a potential schedule, demonstrating the feasibility of full operation with the existing talent pool.

The ripple effects of these closures are profound and far-reaching.

Patients experiencing heart attacks, strokes, severe injuries, or other life-threatening conditions are subjected to delays in critical care, turning what should be a swift response into a stressful and potentially dangerous commute. The strain doesn't just fall on patients; it also burdens the neighboring Port McNeill ER, which is forced to manage an increased volume of cases, stretching its own resources thin.

Furthermore, ambulance services are frequently tied up transporting patients between facilities, diverting crucial emergency response assets from other areas when they might be needed most.

The community's sentiment echoes Dr. Choi's urgency. Residents are increasingly vocal, questioning why, in a town with a seemingly adequate number of doctors, their emergency services remain compromised.

There's a palpable sense of injustice and fear for the safety of loved ones, particularly the elderly and those with chronic conditions who rely heavily on immediate access to local care.

While Island Health has previously acknowledged the staffing challenges and committed to recruitment efforts aimed at restoring full services, Dr.

Choi's direct challenge regarding the current physician numbers demands a fresh look. His advocacy is a clarion call for transparency and immediate action, urging the health authority to reassess its strategy and utilize the dedicated medical professionals already present in Port Hardy. The question now isn't merely about staffing shortages, but about optimizing existing resources to ensure that every resident of Port Hardy has access to the timely, life-saving care they deserve, around the clock.