After months of regular ER closures in Burns Lake, there may be some light at the end of the tunnel for frustrated Lakes District patients.
In response to a Facebook post expressing that frustration, Northern Health Communications said it has hired four new physicians.
The ER has been closed dozens of times in 2025, due to ongoing staff shortages.
“We understand that emergency department service interruptions are stressful and want to assure you that Northern Health is working very hard to recruit physicians and other health care staff to the area, and to make the hiring process smoother for U.S. and international practitioners,” the post stated.
“We have had some success, and four physicians in various stages of their training have signed offer letters, so we hope to welcome these providers to Burns Lake starting in Summer 2026 if all goes to plan.”
Nevertheless, the health authority warned that these things take time and assured patients that it is “doing everything we can to avoid service interruptions by recruiting locum physicians to help cover shifts.”
It also reiterated that the Lakes District Hospital is not the only facility in the region facing staffing shortages.
“Again, we are competing with other communities for these scarce resources, as many rural and remote communities in B.C. are facing these same challenges,” the post stated. “We appreciate your understanding and patience with NH staff as we work through this.”
In light of the continuing closures, Northern Health has consistently advised those requiring emergency care to call 9-1-1 so BC Ambulance can ensure they get to the closest and most appropriate facility.