West Coast General Hospital's three-bed intensive care unit is closed indefinitely due to staffing shortages. (93.3 FM The peak)

By NanaimoNewsNOW staff

service disruption

Port Alberni’s ICU closed indefinitely, patients diverted to Nanaimo

Nov 20, 2025 | 10:33 AM

PORT ALBERNI — Island Health cites staff shortages for what it calls a temporary closure of the West Coast General Hospital (WCGH) intensive care unit.

In a news release, the health authority stated the hospital’s three-bed unit is closed as of Thursday, Nov. 20.

ICU patients will be diverted to the Nanaimo Regional General Hospital (NRGH) intensive care unit in the interim.

Island Health stated a lack of specialty-trained registered nurses and physicians at WCGH is behind the service disruption.

“In recent discussions with WCGH medical staff physician leadership, it became clear that additional, temporary measures were required to uphold safe patient care and support staff in delivering the best care possible,” Island health stated.

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Port Alberni’s ICU will remain closed until adequate staffing levels are in place, Island Health stated.

The health authority expects most displaced patients will transferred to the NRGH ICU, while the emergency department at WCGH remains open and fully staffed.

“All ICU and HAU (high acuity unit) beds at NRGH are available to support patients, as needed. Clinical leadership from NRGH has been involved in planning for this service adjustment and is confident in the site’s ability to support patient needs,” an Island Health Statement to NanaimoNewsNOW read.

Island Health reported since April 1 of this year, 89 total admissions to the WCGH ICU, which works out to an average of 0.4 daily admissions.

The health authority stated that 30 per cent or more of patients previously stabilized at the WCGH ICU are then transferred to other health facilities.

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