Clearwater and area residents were advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital due to limited nursing availability on July 14.
Emergency services were unavailable from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 14. Patients accessed care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or 100 Mile House District General Hospital in 100 Mile House during that time.
All other inpatient services continued as normal at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.
A post on social media by Blackpool Fire Rescue - which operates the only certified helipad medivac access in the North Thompson - read: "Clearwater Hospital emergency services are closed for tomorrow all day please take care and stay safe." The post showing concern about yet another ER closure impacting the area.
People in the community who may experience a life-threatening emergency (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.
Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
The Emergency Department at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital is normally open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
