Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital (Image credit: CFJC Today/File photo).

By Victor Kaisar

ER Closure

Clearwater ER to be closed for majority of BC Day weekend

Aug 2, 2025 | 7:10 AM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — People in the Clearwater area will not have emergency room coverage for a significant portion of the BC Day long weekend.

Interior Health said the emergency room at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital will be closed for 49 hours starting at 7:00 a.m. Saturday (Aug. 2). The ER, which is normally open around the clock, is set to reopen at 8:00 a.m. Monday (Aug. 4).

This is the sixth ER closure in Clearwater this year, and the first since July 13. It is also the longest closure of the year, and people in need of emergency care are being told head to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or the 100 Mile House District General Hospital.

“All other inpatient services will continue at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital,” Interior Health said.

As has been the case during past emergency room closures in Clearwater and elsewhere, Interior Health said people should call 9-1-1 if they need emergency care, or HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 if they aren’t sure if they need to head to the emergency room.

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