Delta city council holds emergency meeting after ER closures

The City of Delta adopted three motions in an emergency special council meeting Monday after Delta Hospital’s emergency room was closed overnight all weekend.

The ER experienced service interruptions due to staffing shortages, on both Saturday and Sunday night.

Delta Mayor George Harvie said Saturday was the first time in his 20 years of public service in the city that the emergency room has had to close for something other than COVID-19.

In an update Monday evening, city council says it has unanimously resolved approved three resolutions in effort to avoid future closures.

First, that a letter be sent to Premier David Eby, Health Minister Josie Osborne and and Fraser Health Interim CEO Dr. Lynn Stevenson on behalf of the mayor and council, asking for steps the province is taking.

Second, that Fraser Health representatives responsible for ER staff be invited to attend a March 3 council meeting to answer questions and share information.

Third, that city staff report back with a proposed resolution for sustainable funding to present to the Union of British Columbia Municipalities.

“What I need to see, is how can we be assured that this is not going to be a trend,” Harvie told 1130 NewsRadio over the weekend.

In a statement Sunday, Fraser Health said it understands the frustration these closures bring and is working to ensure they don’t continue.

“We understand the importance of reliable emergency care, and we recognize the worry and inconvenience this may cause for our community,” it said.

“We are committed to addressing staffing challenges and filling vacant shifts to ensure emergency services remain available to our community.”

Sparks flew at the provincial Legislature question period Monday afternoon.

BC Conservatives Delta South MLA Ian Paton says his constituents facing emergencies were forced to drive half an hour to Surrey Memorial in a time when every second counts.

“Accidents happen, people get injured. And when they do, they expect the local emergency department to be open,” said Paton.

Osborne says Fraser Health and other health authorities are doing lots to hire and retain staff to avoid this kind of thing but acknowledges there’s more work to be done.

—With files from Emma Crawford