Interior Health says progress made to address 100 Mile House ER staffing

Two new primary care providers have recently arrived in 100 Mile House and are accepting new patients who are registered on the BC Health Connect Registry.

IH expects three more providers to arrive in 2027 as part of the Practice Ready Assessment (PRA) program, who are anticipated to support emergency coverage.

The health authority is also exploring the possibility of expanding nurse practitioner (NP) roles more fully within emergency departments.

“This approach would see IH-employed NPs working in collaboration with physicians, while supporting the thoughtful, phased expansion of NP scope of practice to improve access and continuity of care,” said IH officials.

This comes as the BC Nurses Union is planning escalated strike actions on Tuesday (July 7).

Interior Health said a partnership with the Division of Family Practice has established housing programs for traveling and medical staff with secured leases in the community, along with hotel accommodations for shorter stays.

Interior Health is also in the midst of discussions regarding a potential virtual care model in the ER to support care needs, workloads and reduce service disruptions.

“While progress continues, staffing remains a challenge, particularly during the summer months due to vacations and broader workforce shortages, with greatest pressures occurring on weekends,” said Interior Health.

“IH is actively reviewing and coordinating schedules to identify gaps and is doing everything we can to fill them wherever possible through locum and staffing coverage options.”

The health authority said residents can also play a role in reducing strain on the ER by utilizing primary care clinics for non-urgent needs, booking a pharmacy appointment, registering for a primary care provider on the BC Health Connect Registry and completing the community health survey.

by Elora McCormack

Interior Health says progress made to address 100 Mile House ER staffing

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