‘Not acceptable’: B.C. ER closures a sign of system in crisis say doctors, critics

Health officials in B.C. are facing growing pressure over a “crisis” in the province’s emergency rooms.

Ongoing and sporadic ER closures have become all too common in rural and remote B.C. communities, and the problem has recently flared up in the Lower Mainland as well.

In August alone, B.C. has witnessed nine ER closures across the province, the majority of them in the north.

The Mission Memorial Hospital saw its ER close overnight on Sunday due to a staffing shortage, while the Delta Hospital saw its ER close suddenly on Monday night when a single physician called in sick.

It was the third ER closure in Delta this year and has drawn harsh words from the city’s mayor and council.

“Clearly the status quo isn’t working. Fraser Health has replaced their CEO. They’ve fired their boa