BC Interior ER begins 49-hour closure

Residents in and around Clearwater will be without an emergency department for the majority of the August long weekend.

The ER at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital began a temporary closure at 7 am this morning and is not expected to reopen until 8 am Monday.

During the closure, patients needing care are asked to go to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or 100 Mile House District General Hospital.

While the ER is closed in Clearwater, all other inpatient services will continue as normal.

“People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (ie, chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility,” stated Interior Health.

“Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.”