Temporary service interruption at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital emergency department

July 13, 2024

Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital due to limited nursing availability.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 6:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 14, 2024. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or 100 Mile House District General Hospital in 100 Mile House during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.

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. 

Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week. 

The emergency department in Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital is normally open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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