By Amy Judd & Angela Jung Global News Posted September 9, 2024
Fraser Health is looking at implementing virtual doctors to be available at certain times of the day and week at Fraser Canyon Hospital in Hope, B.C., in order to supplement staffing.
The physician would provide assistance to patients and other medical staff who would be on-site at the 10-bed community hospital.
Emergency department closures have been plaguing hospitals throughout the province and Hope’s mayor, Victor Smith, said he supports any effort to prevent that.
“We need to look at things to try and improve things,” he said.
Smith clarified that part of the plan will include a physician on site but the virtual doctor will complement that.
“We only have so many doctors to go around, so many communities now are short,” he said.