Residents in Keremeos and nearby communities will be without daytime emergency services at South Similkameen Health Centre for several hours on Wednesday, forcing patients to travel outside the community for urgent care.
Emergency services at the hospital will be unavailable from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, May 20. Patients requiring emergency treatment during that time will be directed to Penticton Regional Hospital or Princeton General Hospital.
The temporary interruption means residents facing medical emergencies could encounter longer travel times for care, particularly seniors, families and people without reliable transportation.
All inpatient services at South Similkameen Health Centre will continue operating during the closure.
People experiencing life-threatening medical emergencies, including chest pain, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding, should call 911 for transport to the nearest appropriate facility.
Residents unsure whether they need emergency care can call HealthLink BC at 811 or visit HealthLinkBC.ca for advice from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists available around the clock.
