Interior Health is making temporary changes to the South Similkameen Health Centre hours.
Starting Nov. 17, the Similkameen Health Centre will be open for emergency services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. instead of its regular Monday to Saturday schedule.
This change follows discussions with current physicians to provide predictable health services to the public on set days and support physicians in providing primary care to their patients during periods when they are not providing emergency services at the centre.
All other inpatient services at Similkameen Health Centre will continue without interruption.
When the health centre is closed, patients should call 911 or proceed to the nearest available hospital for care. Patients can access 24/7 emergency services at the Penticton Regional Hospital or Princeton General Hospital during these times.
At this time, Interior Health will work closely with physicians and our community and health partners about how we can sustain and improve health services, reduce physician burnout and strengthen physician recruitment efforts in Keremeos. We will provide further updates to the community as this planning evolves.
Patients in Keremeos requiring care who do not have a family doctor can access care in Penticton at the Urgent Primary Care Centre, Penticton Regional Hospital or by calling 911.
