A shortage of nurses means the emergency department at Merritt’s hospital will be closed until Tuesday morning, according to Interior Health.
Interior Health issued a public service announcement Tuesday alerting Merritt-area residents to the closure.
The department closed at 8 a.m. on Tuesday and is expected to reopen at 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
“During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital,” the statement said.
Merritt-area residents in need of emergency care are told to visit Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.
“People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care — i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding — should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility,” the statement said.
IH encouraged anyone wondering whether an emergency room visit is warranted to call HealthLink BC at 811.
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