The Real-Time Virtual Support program has helped to ensure the success of a high-acuity response team that supports communities surrounding Prince George.

In 2025, Northern Health (NH) launched the Northern Emergency Response Team (NERT)—a team created to strengthen care for seriously ill or injured patients requiring inter‑facility transport.

As part of the launch, the Rural Outreach in Critical Care and Internal Medicine (ROCCi) pathway, as well as the Rural Urgent Doctor in-Aid (RUDi) pathway, were asked to step in to provide medical oversight if it was not available on-site.

These RTVS pathways are available by Zoom or telephone for teams in rural communities.

The impact of NERT on care teams and patients after its first year of operations has been clear.

In its first 12 months, NERT achieved significant milestones:

RTVS Help

Of the 125 patient transfers completed in the first year, ROCCi and RUDi helped out in one third of the cases.

Based out of the University Hospital of Northern BC (UHNBC), NERT not only provides support for inter-facility transport, but also supports care closer to home by working as extra clinical staff in the emergency department and ICU, and by offering 24/7 virtual nurse‑to‑nurse support through Clinical Liaison and Resource Assistance (CLARA).

ROCCi lead Dr. Alex Mezei said: “The ROCCi team has been very happy to support critically ill patients being transferred via the NERT team. It is apparent the value NERT provides to patients requiring transfer and the value in supporting the rural providers who are managing very sick and complicated patients with limited resources. As general internists and intensivists with a focus on providing care for rural, remote and Indigenous patients, we are a natural fit to support NERT and hope this great collaboration continues.”

RUDi co-lead Dr. Brydon Blacklaws said: “It’s been a pleasure to help get the NERT program off the ground, and support the clinicians transporting patients to UHNBC.”

A year of impact

NERT stands out as a meaningful accomplishment in Jordan Oliver’s career and in her role as the Executive Director for Access & Flow, and Transfer Services at Northern Health.

“The program has demonstrated the impact of Northern-led innovation by improving patient safety, supporting rural clinicians, and reducing service interruptions,” she reflected. “Its success reflects the commitment of an exceptional team and strong system partnerships.”

The program’s reach has helped move patients more efficiently to higher levels of care, while providing reassurance and clinical support to on‑site teams facing increasing patient acuity.

Laine Becker, Registered Nurse and Program Leader for NERT, praised the team and their efforts.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to work alongside so many hardworking colleagues,” he said. “I have learned so much about the detailed and intertwined efforts that go towards improving patient care in the North.”

NERT offers support within a three-hour ground radius of Prince George.

Communities eligible for the service include:

• Mackenzie
• Fort St James
• Burns Lake
• Vanderhoof
• Quesnel
• McBride
• Valemount
• Chetwynd
• Fraser Lake