Northern Health is reminding Quesnel residents of alternatives to going to G.R. Baker's emergency department as they have seen more patients than usual, leading to higher wait times.
People with less urgent needs have several options, Northern Health said on social media.
"To help reduce strain on emergency and acute care resources, those with less urgent care needs are advised to visit their primary care provider/family physician's office during regular hours or to contact the NH (Northern Health) Virtual Primary and Community Care Clinic," the post said.
The virtual clinic is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. The number for the virtual clinic is 1-844-645-7811. People who call the line can book an appointment with a doctor or nurse practitioner.
People also have the option of booking appointments with pharmacists through the province's bookapharmacist.gov.bc.ca. Pharmacists can a variety of minor ailments.
Those who aren't sure if they should head to the emergency room or should seek out other options can call HealthLink at 811.
While people should seek these alternatives for less serious concerns, those who have a serious and sudden change in health should seek out the ER. Those changes include but aren't limited to breathing difficulties, severe bleeding or pain, chest pain, broken bones and eye injuries.
In the case of an emergency people should call 911.
