INFORMATION BULLETIN UPDATE - Health Supports for Williams Lake evacuees

Northern Health is entering the next phase of supporting wildfire evacuees from the Williams Lake area.

Acute care, long-term care and assisted living clients evacuated from Williams Lake have been settled into a variety of care settings in Prince George, and Northern Health is also working with the City of Prince George and other community partners to support the health needs of evacuees in general.

Northern Health has established a Health Management Service Clinic at the College of New Caledonia Reception Centre, to connect people who have been displaced by the wildfires with the care they require, including mental health and addictions support, and arranging for blood work, x-ray and ultrasound services. The Health Management Service Clinic will operate daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m., with a registered nurse available 24 hours a day. Evacuees housed at UNBC’s Northern Sports Centre are also encouraged to use this Clinic, and a 24-hour shuttle service is being provided between those sites.

Northern Health facilities and programs in Prince George are currently caring for more than 175 patients and residents evacuated from Williams Lake. For example, Gateway Lodge has accommodated more than 90 additional residents; NH staff are supporting approximately 50 assisted living and home care clients in residences at the University of Northern BC.

In light of the increase in patient numbers, Northern Health is asking the Prince George public for assistance by using health care resources appropriately, particularly emergency department resources. The public is encouraged to connect with their family physician, Nurse Practitioner or local walk in clinics to meet their non-emergency health care needs.

Patients who aren’t sure whether their condition would warrant an emergency room visit, or who need health advice, can call HealthLink BC (8-1-1), or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information 24 hours a day, seven days per week.