(Image Credit: CFJC Today/File Photo)
By Victor Kaisar
ER Closure

Clearwater ER to close for 13 hours over Canada Day holiday

Jul 1, 2026 | 2:18 PM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — There will be an overnight closure of the emergency room at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater starting this Canada Day evening.

The 13-hour closure will take effect at 6:00 p.m. July 1, and its set to last until 7:00 a.m., Thursday (July 2) morning.

People in the Clearwater area in need of emergency care are being told to head to Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or to 100 Mile District General Hospital.

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

This is the second ER closure in Clearwater this year, and local officials have warned that this August and October could be “difficult” months at the hospital, as the community is set to lose four physicians by September.

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Recruitment efforts are currently underway, and the hope is have two doctors recruited by this fall and two more by next spring.

As has been the case for previous emergency room closures, Interior Health says 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.

by Victor Kaisar

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