US EditionRecruitment Incentives Helping Keep Hospital ERs Open in B.C.'s Northwest
NORTHERN AND NORTHWESTERN COMMUNITIES IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, JUL 14 – The Northwest Regional Hospital District credits incentive programs for a 25% drop in emergency department closures and urges the provincial government to extend funding for recruitment.
- Recently, the Northwest Regional Hospital District urged the province to extend funding for recruitment and retention incentives covering northern BC communities served by Northern Health, which have reduced emergency closures by 25 percent over six months.
- With retirements accelerating during COVID, northern communities lost critical health staff, as workforce numbers fell due to baby boomers retiring and fewer young people entering the service sector.
- The Provincial Rural Retention Incentive offers up to $8,000 annually outside Prince George, tied to hours worked, with full payment for logging at least 1,650 hours over 18 months.
- Despite gains, unfilled roles pose risks without funding, with Councillor Terry Marleau warning that 20 per cent of positions remain vacant, risking higher closures.
- For long-term stability, stakeholders urged permanent funding and eased residency rules, with local governments proposing a special immigration zone from Prince Rupert to Smithers to retain workers.
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