McBride, B.C. – McBride residents are dealing with a doctor shortage.

According to Northern Health, the Robson Valley community lost one doctor last year, and will lose another due to retirement in the coming days.

In a bid to ensure health coverage for McBride residents, Northern Health is working with physicians from Valemount and nurses in the Robson Valley to provide temporary service coverage from April 7 to April 17.

Valemount physicians will also be holding clinic sessions in McBride and assisting with emergency patients.

McBride residents can still attend the emergency department for an assessment but will receive a consultation with a Valemount physician.

The emergency department will continue to operate 24/7, but under the same conditions it currently does during evenings and weekends.

Those requiring emergency service can call 911 for transport to an emergency department in Valemount or Prince George.

In the meantime, Northern Health says they continue to recruit for physician opportunities in the community.