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By CFJC Today Staff

Staff Shortage

24-hour closure announced for the Emergency department at Merritt’s Nicola Valley Hospital

Sep 28, 2023 | 5:11 AM

MERRITT — Interior Health says the Emergency Department at the Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt will be closed for 24 hours beginning at 8 a.m. Thursday (Sept. 29).

The closure was originally expected to begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday, however Interior Health says it was able to secure extra overnight staff for the department.

Those in need of life-threatening emergency care should call 911 or go directly to the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops. Medical advice is also available by calling Healthlink BC at 811.

Staffing shortages are behind the closure.