The advisory was issued mid Friday evening through Northern Healths social media stream.
The most concerning element of the advisory for residents that for those who may be facing life threatening situations.
"If you have an emergency: People in Prince Rupert and area who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e. chest pains, difficulty breathing, or severe bleeding) should call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.
Any time services are interrupted, our partners in patient transfer and local health services are notified and signage will be in place at the hospital informing patients to call 9-1-1 for transport."
The advisory also offers up advice and options for those impacted by the overnight closure.
The situation facing the Prince Rupert hospital is similar to that recently seen on Haida Gwaii and in the Kitimat area.
The closure of the Emergency Department was a key discussion point for Prince Rupert City council recently, with the Council members looking to create a committee to aid in recruitment and retention of medical professionals.
The overnight suspension should give that initiative a sense of urgency now.
The City of Prince Rupert followed up on the Northern Health advisory on Friday evening.
To this point, North Coast MLA Jennifer Rice, who is also the Parliamentary Secretary for Rural Health has not addressed the situation facing the Prince Rupert Emergency Department
More notes on Health care themes can be reviewed here.
The sense of urgency is a couple of years late. Once again, the city is in a reactive situation. Nothing happens with council meetings during the summer, not many meetings nor staff. Time for proactive action on the city. Waiting and hoping things will fix themself isn't working.
ReplyDelete100% agreed. This should have been a priority for the city as soon as terrace announced their new hospital. Such a shame to hear of the 7 doctors leaving town, got a letter in my mail box saying mine was leaving and cannot get a reputable family doctor to replace mine
DeleteYou do understand health care falls under provincial right? Has nothing to do with the city. The MLA should have made this a priority.
DeleteSadly once the Terrace hospital is fully operational, PR will become a transfer station. Stabilize patient, ship them off. That’s all they’re going to be cable of.
I did not know that it was provincial. I agree with you the MLA should make this a priority. I don’t know how we are supposed to take care of our elders or hope to have children in a city without doctors and an emergency room that will be closed
DeleteThe MLA made it a priority to spend over $15 million on homeless shelters in Rupert. They are needed, no doubt, but what about taking care of the people that contribute to society first? That pay tax dollars. Make sure the health care system is up to snuff before adding more strain with drug addicts and mental health cases?
DeleteSoo many “out of town” non locals coming to these shelters and then clogging up the ER.
The local health care workers need to be interviewed and asked what the problem is and why they are leaving. No filter, pure facts, just tell the truth without having to worry about what the repercussions will be, “freedom of speech”.
Because it's the ndp way of doing things . People love handouts not handups. Wake up people. How many years in a row have the voters elected ndp. This is what were left with. Yes we do have have money coming for infrastructure, because there's elections coming up.
DeleteWe need more doctors in town. Cannot blame doctors for leaving to greener pastures. This isn’t a good trend for Rupert loosing professionals in the healthcare system. I wonder how long until other professionals start leaving town (nurses, optometrist, ear doctors, paramedics, firefighters, medical equipment operators, police officers etc.) It seems like that’s already the case with paramedics and police officers as I cannot recognize many familiar faces driving the ambulance or police cars. I wonder why they all leave Rupert… could be because of the failing infrastructure and lack of stuff to do in town. I am happy to be leaving in the summer to Nanaimo (same job, more supporting staff around me and higher pay)
ReplyDeleteWhat’s the point of working hard to get a job with a good wage when the city you would be in is falling apart. I can only imagine more people leaving once terrace opens up the new hospital there. Wouldn’t be surprised to see the only high paying jobs in town being through the Prince Rupert port authority and there associated terminals (DP world, grain, coal) as everyone else will have left or services will be reduced and people lose their jobs.
Maybe the city can offer higher wages to these doctors and professionals in that field?
I would like to live in Terrace also, it doesn't look like a bomb went off. The decline in Prince Rupert has been happening slowly over many years. Simple things like keeping stuff clean and neat, not even painted center lines on roadways anymore. Council finds this acceptable.
DeleteBefore we know it the pot hole filled gravel roads and torn up streets will be advertised as part of Prince Rupert’s rustic rural charm. Sell trolley tickets to cruise ship passengers as roller coaster rides!
DeleteFirefighters are NOT leaving town, it’s the one department that keeps growing every year. It’s a gravy job, don’t deal with any of the health care aspect and make more money than all of them
DeleteThe city doesn’t pay nurses, doctors, paramedics, that is decided at the provincial level. The city pays firefighters however.
As for the failing infrastructure, council and the city has the power to demolish derelict buildings and go after owners. But there is a long drown out process they must follow. But where are all the property owners, and why isn’t the blame being shifted to them? They need to upkeep their buildings. Bring the pitch forks to them.
Ever since the mill shut down in the early 2000’s there has been a massive “brain drain” in the city. Educated professionals, entrepreneurs, risk takers, all left the city. What we are left with today is the aftermath.
People social media asking “why don’t THEY build this, why don’t THEY build that, why did THEY do that, why don’t THEY do that”
Who’s THEY? Other people? The city? The province? The country? The people?
Instead asking “them” to step up, how about YOU contribute. Any shape or form. Go to a council meeting and voice your concerns. It doesn’t cost a single cent to do so. Go to YOUR elected officials. “Squeaky wheel gets grease”
It’s not easy to start a business, cost of building is ridiculous and even simple renovations cost tens of thousands of dollars.
People want a KFC in town as the first priority, but fail to realize it will cost millions to do so. And how is that going to help health care? They want food that’s evidently contributing directly to need for increased healthcare, but make a fuss about the water in town.
This is the sad reality. No more ownership or pride, just the blame game.
I don’t live in Rupert but if I did I would attend council as I do in terrace. Maybe the province should look into why firefighters are staying in PR as opposed to the doctors, cops, and paramedics who are leaving. Doctors surely get paid more than fire-fighters, so I think it’s safe to assume it has to be more than payscale. I’m surprised anyone would work in Prince Rupert, especially when you could work in a bigger city with more to offer. What does the city offer their firefighters that make it such an attractive career? All I know is if I were a paramedic/cop/fire person I would work the same job in a different town.
DeleteCouncil needs a wake up call if they wish to grow their city.
Kitimat’s firefighters also act as paramedics. They have a well versed dual system. Much more efficient and effective than the system they have in Rupert. They also make on average much less.
DeleteWhy do firefighters want to stay in Rupert? Take a look at the municipalities SOFI reports. The firechief made over $245,000 in 2022. Wouldn’t be surprised if that number is closer to $270,000 in 2023. We’ll find out soon. They are the top earners in the City by a far margin.
On average firefighters make more than the NewYork FD. PRFD must be doing more than NYFD to justify the salary discrepancy? They also make more than the Vancouver Firedepartment. Must have less fires there?
I believe the salaries between Prince Rupert and Vancouver are rather on par ...
Deletehttps://vancouver.ca/your-government/join-fire-and-rescue-services.aspx
NYFD do seem to be paid less than their Canadian counterparts, even taking into account the difference in currency.
https://www.joinfdny.com/careers/firefighter/
NCR
Vancouver FD
Delete$72k first 6 months
$103k starting 4th year
$110k starting 15th year
How is this on par with PR? Take the Rupert SoFI report, all the firefighters and their salaries. There are 3rd year fire fighters already making $150k in Rupert
This is Rupert we are talking about. Why is it on par with Vancouver? A major city that deals with multiple fires and actual emergencies daily. They have specialized training in every aspect. Car removal, hazardous materials, rescue task for mass casualties and the list goes on.
With that logic all of the city workers should get paid on par with Vancouver. From mayor and council, labours at public works and lifeguards at the pool.
I know the city workers would love it, but the tax payers? I assume not soo much.
Firefighters aren’t leaving town because they’re municipal employees and not working for a provincial or federal agency. This means that they can’t transfer like others do and if they were to be hired by another department they’d lose seniority, and drop back down to probationary rate.
DeleteI’m sure many of them would leave if they could, just like other professionals. This town doesn’t have a lot to offer in terms of modern living and it’s also been in disrepair for decades.
According to Vancouver fire rescues 2023 annual report there were 102 responses per 1000 residents, in recent years I remember seeing PR call volume around 1300-1500 calls, which puts Rupert fire around par with Vancouvers ratio of calls to residents. Eye opening to see this ratio so close when we compare the two
DeleteDefinitely eye opening when you see the PR Cheif making $245,000 in 2022. And the general firefighter salary ratios. Keep an eye out for the 2023 SOFI report.
DeleteVancouver dispatch also has better filters when it comes to call outs. Right people for the correct jobs get called out. Not just going out there setting up inadequate traffic control.
Kitimat - 3190 call outs responds
PR - 1274 responses
Mind you Kitimat firefighters are also paramedics, but pay scale is almost the same if not less. Kitimat Fire Chief only made $150,000 in 2020.
Parmamedic/FireFiredeparment Chief, making $100,000 less? Something doesn’t seem right here
Interested to see what Adey and the council can accomplish trying to combat this issue. Council thinks they have more pull then they actually do. The largest caveat is the health care occupation/career isn’t what it used to be.
ReplyDeleteFront line workers are getting harassed daily on the job, are the first to blame and just burnt out. Most of them are realizing the quality of life isn’t there and they’d rather take a paycut and work somewhere else.
I’ve been in the ER in the last few months and the people medical staff have to deal with are different. The amount of verbal abuse thrown at the medical staff was an eye opener. They don’t get paid enough for what they do. Especially the paramedics. No one wants to go into that career anymore.
This directly correlates with the number of homeless in town. The ambulance is constantly parked at “5 corners” or “crows nest” dealing with the same drunk and mental patients. Our little community and resource system for other emergencies are clogged up.
This is an issue that been boiling for the last decade and the pandemic escalated things. Unfortunately, there is no simple solution. It’s going to take decades to correct. Unfortunately it’s up to the provincial and federal government to solve. Each municipality can try to combat this issue but it’s a failing fight.
Council should have asked Northern Health a few years ago, Is there anything we can do to help? I think they are a little late to the party.
DeleteSince the closing of the mill in the late 90s early/ 2000’s there has been a large “brain drain” in Rupert.
ReplyDeleteEducated, professionals, business owners, entrepreneurs, and risk takers left the city. Kids that graduated and went onto pursue higher education never returned. Families moved along with them. Seldom would they be replaced with an equally society, contributing family.
Fast forward to today. People are making the most money ever seen in this community. Port workers are pulling 6 figure incomes. But what about the city as a whole? The worst it’s ever been. Businesses are closing down. More houses added to the derelict list daily. Things literally not touched for decades falling apart. Professionals leaving in droves. At least the car dealerships, furniture stores and the local band (tax) funded establishments/restaurants/shops are doing well.
Yes we are losing doctors, but what hurts most is that we are loosing their families as well. Their spouse is usually a professional as well, and their children are more likely to pursue higher education and a meaningful career. They all contributed and made a difference in the community. Played an active role.
What’s left of the “educated” people in Rupert? Unfortunately, they are now part of the “brain drain” statistic
Brain drain is real. Pretty soon all we will have left in town is port workers and you will have to fly out if you have a medical emergency or need a doctors appointment. God forbid you get in a car accident cause there’s no one left in town to get you to the hospital and there is no where for you to live at the rate we’re going here.
DeleteMight be a good place to own a few properties and jack up the rent. Never knew land-lord was an esteemed career choice
There are many well educated people in Prince Rupert. Just because a mill shut down 25 years ago doesn’t mean this city is lacking educated people. The problems here go far beyond a mill shutting down. The main issue is the people who were running this city during the tax paying hey day of that time failed efficiently invest in proper infrastructure and the future. They negotiated poor contracts (see the Ridley island deal with Port Edward) and lacked proper planning due to the belief that the major industries in the city would continue to flourish despite warning signed for decades that some of them were in trouble. Poor leadership of the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and 90’s is why we are in the mess we are in now. This has left the city in ruin and having to pay for everything now without a major industrial tax base, despite a major resurgence in major industry (albeit on tax capped port land outside city control) With the issues like water, sewer, garbage and roads plaguing this city there is nothing left to spend on anything else (parks, beautification, aquatics facilities/features, additional recreational facilities, 2nd ice rinks and other amenities) which itself is damaging to the work/live identity.
DeleteFair to say that elected officials and city staff of past years dropped the ball on future planning. But what about current state of the city outside city infrastructure? Derelict buildings, properties and houses that are in shambles, less than 1 new house being built a year? Surely the past city members can’t be blamed for this? There has been a dramatic dip in civic pride. New faces in the city but lack the drive to set up roots or be involved in the community. Seafest has dwindled down to 1 street and a few events but the population has increased.
DeleteThere are still a lot of educated people in town but the ratio has evidently decreased. PR was a great place to raise a young family, but once that family got older and went off to post secondary, how many returned? Who were they replaced with? I certainly don’t think they were replaced with people that have diplomas and degrees.
Highest earners in town are now port workers. What level of education is required to be a longshoreman? Grade 10?
Obviously online shopping has a direct correlation with the business’s downtown, but even if the demand is there, who has the means to start a new business in town without grants, or band funding?
This is sadly the theme of all northern communities, not unique to Rupert. PR just has the added luxury of the ports. High port paying jobs with the least amount of education needed. That’s the only major difference.
Low Cost of living and housing used to bring people to the north. But that’s not the case anymore. Even the immigrants in town once they get their Permanent Residency Card leave. Major hubs are just expanding outwards while smaller communities contract.
I’m beginning to doubt that this community will ever get back to a shadow of what it once was. It’s been almost 25 years since the pulp mill closure caused a major vacuum in our downtown core, and when we lost many people, businesses and community organizations. Despite port growth, promises of LNG and in being the “next boom town”, we really haven’t seen any substantial growth or positive changes in the city’s well-being. Perhaps it’s time to lessen expectations and realize that we’re unlikely to get back to where we once were. It’s also just as unlikely that we’ll ever be the boom town that we were a century ago or that was projected within the last 15 years.
ReplyDeleteWithout some type of development we’re unlikely to be a community that draws professionals in as a place they want to work, stay and raise their family. My expectation is that we’re going to be much more like Kitimat. Industry and a place where people work but with very little in the way of retail and a bare minimum of recreational opportunities that require investment actually invested in. Our city can’t afford it and I can’t imagine that a private investor would target Rupert for a new bowling alley, for example.
At the end of the day, I don’t see any hope in being able to appeal to professionals as this being a place to raise their family and spend their careers. I don’t mean to be a negative Nellie, just calling it like I see it.