Due to a physician shortage leading up to the holidays, patients needing to be admitted for inpatient care in Williams Lake from Dec. 15 to Dec. 21, were sent to other hospitals.
The change led to the transfer of four patients, and only impacted medical admissions, said Karen Cooper, interim executive director of clinical operations for Cariboo/south Cariboo. Black Press later learned obstetrical admissions were also effected, with expectant mothers being told they should plan to give birth in Kamloops or Prince George.
The emergency department, surgical units and other ambulatory services at Cariboo Memorial Hospital (CMH) were all operating as normal.
“We know patient transfers can be challenging for patients and families, and we apologize to patients and families impacted by this temporary change to normal services,” said Cooper. She said locations across Interior Health operate as a coordinated network.
One patient was transferred to Lillooet Hospital and three were taken to 100 Mile General Hospital.
“Our priority is to keep patients as close to home as possible,” said Cooper, noting each patient was assessed by their transport network and CMH to determine the best location to send them.
Family members accompanying the transferred inpatients did have access to the Health Connections Bus at no cost and were provided support for meals and accommodation, explained Cooper.
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