South Okanagan ER reopens following overnight closure

Residents in and around Oliver were without an emergency department overnight.

The ER at South Okanagan General Hospital closed its doors at 5 pm on Friday and did not reopen until 7 am today.

While emergency services were unavailable in Oliver, patients were directed to Penticton Regional Hospital.

All other inpatient services in Oliver continued 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,” wrote 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 a week.”