Interior Health testing virtual emergency care to support rural hospitals

Interior Health is planning a pilot project that would use virtual emergency care to help keep small hospitals in British Columbia’s Interior open during staffing shortages.

The proposal would link hospitals in Clearwater, Nakusp, Lillooet, and Princeton, allowing physicians to share responsibilities through a combination of on-site and remote support. Interior Health says the four facilities face similar challenges, with low overnight patient volumes but frequent service interruptions due to limited staffing.

The health authority says it is consulting with local doctors and staff to determine how the model could work in practice before launching a pilot. Health Minister Josie Osborne described the plan as a “forward-looking approach” aimed at improving access to emergency care in rural communities.

Emergency departments in several B.C. communities have faced recurring overnight and weekend closures over the past two years, prompting calls for more sustainable solutions to support rural health care.