Second 13-hour overnight closure coming to Clearwater ER this week

CLEARWATER, B.C. —There will be another 13-hour overnight closure of the emergency room at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater, the second such closure this week.

Interior Health said the ER will be closed from 6:00 p.m. Friday (July 3) evening to 7:00 a.m. Saturday (July 4). A reason for the closure was not provided but people 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. 

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.