UPDATE: Clearwater ER reopens early

Sep 20, 2026 | 9:55 AM

CLEARWATER, B.C. — UPDATE (11:30 a.m.): Interior Health (IH) said the emergency department in Clearwater’s Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital reopened after four hours of being closed.

IH said adequate staffing was secured, avoiding the anticipated 11-hour closure.

Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital’s ER reopened at 11 a.m. on Sunday, rather than the originally announced 7 p.m.

EARLIER: Interior Health (IH) has announced a short-notice 11-hour closure of the emergency department at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital on Sunday (Sept. 20).

In an announcement received by CFJC Today at 9:33 a.m., IH said emergency services will be unavailable from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., but all other inpatient services will remain available in the meantime.

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During the closure, those in need of emergency care can go to the Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, which is a nearly two-hour drive away, or the 100 Mile District General Hospital, which is an hour and a half long drive away.

“People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility,” said a statement from IH.

“Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 811, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.”

This is the 12th temporary closure of Clearwater’s emergency room in 2026.

by Elora McCormack

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UPDATE: Clearwater ER reopens early

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