Interior Health (IH) is working with partners to stabilize emergency care at 100 Mile District General Hospital.
They’ve formed a task force that includes representatives from local government, Indigenous communities, Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District, the Division of Family Practice.
IH said through ongoing meetings, partners are working together on immediate and longer-term actions to support consistent access to emergency care in 100 Mile House.
Based on a review of current staffing pressures, hospital use, and physician coverage, they are moving forward with several priority actions:
Exploring a trial of virtual physician support for the emergency department.
Reviewing emergency department scheduling options beyond the current 12-hour shifts, including the possible use of eight-hour shifts, along with the supports and training needed to improve staffing flexibility.
Increasing physician recruitment efforts.
Improving access to same-day primary care in the community.
Expanding the existing health-care landing program in 100 Mile House to support recruitment and retention through housing assistance, relocation support, and community integration.
“The task force will continue working closely with local and visiting physicians to develop practical staffing solutions that support physician wellness and help build a more stable and sustainable
health-care system in 100 Mile House,” Interior Health said, “While this work is moving forward, staffing shortages remain a challenge, particularly during peak vacation periods such as the summer months.”
100 Mile House currently has 13 local physicians working in private clinics, about half provide emergency department coverage with remaining shifts filled by visiting physicians.
IH said local doctors also support care in clinics, long-term care, and hospital services across the community.
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