NORTHERN HEALTH

Northern Health (NH) is the regional health authority responsible for delivering healthcare services to the northern half of British Columbia. It covers a massive area of nearly 600,000 square kilometers (larger than France) and serves a population of approximately 300,000 people across the Northwest, Northern Interior, and Northeast regions.

As of February 2026, here are the current major developments, facilities, and public health updates for the region:

1. Major Facilities and Hospitals

Northern Health operates 18 hospitals and dozens of community health centers. Key regional hubs include:

• University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC) – Prince George: The largest referral hospital in the north, providing specialized surgical, cardiac, and trauma services.

• Ksyen Regional Hospital – Terrace: (Formerly Mills Memorial) This state-of-the-art facility serves the Northwest region and recently underwent a massive redevelopment.

• Fort St. John General Hospital: A major hub for the Northeast, serving the Peace River region.

• Dawson Creek and District Hospital: Currently undergoing a total replacement project to double its capacity.

2. 2026 Key Projects and Relocations

The region is currently in the midst of several transformative infrastructure projects:

• UHNBC Acute Care Tower: Procurement for this $1.579 billion project is entering a critical phase. In Spring 2026, the Northern Interior Health Unit (NIHU) is scheduled to relocate to Parkwood Mall to make way for the tower’s construction, which is slated to begin in Fall 2026.

• Dawson Creek Hospital Replacement: Construction is well underway in early 2026, with the new facility expected to offer significantly expanded emergency and inpatient services once completed.

• Ksyen Regional Hospital: The transition to the new facility in Terrace is finalized, now operating as a regional center for mental health and specialized diagnostics.

3. Real-Time Access Tools (New for 2026)

One of the most significant changes this year is how residents can track services:

• Emergency Department (ED) Status Webpage: Launched in January 2026, Northern Health now provides a real-time dashboard showing the status of emergency departments across the region. This was created to notify the public immediately if a facility is temporarily closed or redirected due to staffing shortages.

• Virtual Care: Due to the long travel distances in the north, the Northern Health Virtual Clinic continues to expand in 2026, allowing patients to see a doctor or nurse practitioner via video for non-emergencies.

4. Public Health Alerts (Feb 2026)

• Measles Outbreak (Northeast): A significant measles outbreak that began in late 2025 continues to impact the Fort St. John and Peace River areas. Health officials are urging residents in these communities to ensure their vaccinations are up to date as community transmission remains active.

• Toxic Drug Alerts: Similar to the rest of BC, Northern Health frequently issues alerts for the Northwest and Northern Interior due to high concentrations of medetomidine and fentanyl in the illicit supply.

5. How to Access Services

• HealthLink BC: Call 8-1-1 24/7 for health advice from a registered nurse or pharmacist.

• Emergency: Call 9-1-1 for life-threatening situations.

• Addictions Support: Access the Access Central line at 1-833-866-6478 for a single point of contact for detox and recovery services in the North.

MAIN MENU