Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health are experiencing staffing challenges due to the current Omicron variant, seasonal illnesses, recent snow days and the COVID-19 global pandemic.
In a statement, VCH said health care workers have been on the front lines of care throughout the pandemic now for two years and are experiencing exhaustion and the same illness as the rest of the population.
Sustaining full staffing continues to be a challenge across the region and makes it difficult to maintain the high levels of health care services in some rural communities, surgical capacity and specialized programs.
To date, VCH has had to postpone 154 non-urgent elective surgeries over the past month due to a reduction in operating rooms. Staffing impacts have also had a pronounced effect on rural and remote sites, as these facilities and programs frequently operate with smaller teams.
VCH and Fraser Health say they deeply appreciate the commitment of health care workers, and advise people to not delay accessing urgent or emergency care. However, people are also asked to be aware of how to use your ER Wisely.
Both health authorities also appreciate the patience, support and understanding of the public when accessing health care services, as teams that deliver these supports may be managing staffing challenges.
