Second emergency room closure in four days begins Monday at 7 am

For the second time in four days, Merritt residents will be without emergency room services at the Nicola Valley Hospital beginning Monday morning.

Unlike Saturday’s 13-hour closure, Monday’s closure will be 25-hours long beginning at 7 am. and remain in effect until Tuesday at 8 am.

This is the 21st closure of the emergency department in 2024.

“Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time,” the Health Authority said in a statement. “All other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital.”

As has been the case during past emergency room closures, Interior Health says people in Merritt who need life-saving emergency care should call 9-1-1.

People who aren’t sure if they need to head to the emergency room are being told to contact HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.