Merritt Hospital has now been shutdown for “6 % of 2023” after 18th closure

MERRITT, B.C. — Merrittonians awoke to familiar news as the hospital was closed for the 18th time this year. That makes up 6 % of 2023 with 74 days left in the calendar year. That averages out to a closure once every 20 days or once every three weeks, a staggering set of statistics.

In a news release, Interior Health says the emergency department at Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt will be temporarily closed from 7 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 17) to 8 a.m. Wednesday due to limited nursing staff availability.

Mayor Mike Goetz has already discussed withholding tax dollars from the province for every day the hospital wasn’t fully functioning.

“I’m sure it won’t be a popular decision, but it’s one I encourage other mayors to pursue. It’s like paying for a 30 day transit pass but only being able to use 20 days or so.”

Merritt isn’t the only municipality who has dealt with closures of late. Interior Health has been criticized for only caring about the Lower Mainland, critics say they wouldn’t put up with even 1-2 closures a year if it happened over there.

Meanwhile, all other inpatient services will continue as normal.

People in need of emergency care are advised to call 9-1-1 or to attend the emergency room at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during a closure.