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

By Victor Kaisar

ER Closure

UPDATE: Clearwater emergency room reopens after nine hour closure

Aug 29, 2025 | 5:01 AM

CLEARWATER — (UPDATE 7:15 a.m.): The emergency room at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater has reopened after a nine hour overnight closure.

Late Thursday (Aug. 28) evening, Interior Health announced the temporary emergency room closure which was in effect between 10:00 p.m. Thursday evening and 7:00 a.m. Friday (Aug. 29) morning.

This was the eighth ER closure of the year in Clearwater and the third this month. People in need of emergency care were once again told to head to either Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or 100 Mile House District General Hospital.

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

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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