Prince George, B.C. – Some Williams Lake evacuees displaced by wildfires in Prince George and needing medical assistance have had the good fortune to be treated by their own doctor.

Photo courtesy City of Prince George

Dr. Jolien Steyl was forced to evacuate from Williams Lake last week with her family and soon after arriving at the College of New Caledonia she went to work tending to the medical needs of patients – including some of her patients from Williams Lake.

“It’s good to see our own patients and for the patients to see a familiar face. It’s also good to connect with people from Williams Lake. Patients appreciate we are here for them.”

Though a whirlwind experience, Dr. Steyl, who is an emergency room doctor in Williams Lake, says her experience in Prince George has been positive.

“It is more fast-paced here. It’s like a walk-in clinic environment. Everyone has been so helpful to make it work – with such incredible support,” she says. “You sometimes get quite tired, but it is good to keep busy and have a routine. Everyone has been so good to us in PG.”

Dr. Steyl came to Williams Lake from South Africa in 2011 and says she’s excited to become a Canadian citizen one day.