Interior Health increases access to local health services in the Okanagan

1 minute

To help support increased health-care needs in the South Okanagan, including those impacted by the Bald Range wildfire, the Penticton Urgent and Primary Care Centre (UPCC) will have expanded hours on Sunday, Aug. 9, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., for people requiring non-emergency care. The Penticton UPCC is located at 437 Martin St., Suite 101.

Interior Health responds to Bald Range wildfire

2 minutes

Interior Health (IH) is responding to the potential for fire-related impacts to health facilities and clients in the community of Summerland.

IH is working to relocate 48 residents from the Dr. Andrew Pavillion and is working with our contracted partner, West Coast Senior Housing Management, to relocate 190 residents from Summerland Seniors Village, to alternate locations away from the affected area.

Temporary service interruption at Nicola Valley Hospital emergency department

1 minute

Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 a.m. Friday, Aug. 7 to 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug.8, 2026. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Community-minded physician and leader leaves lasting mark

7 minutes

Over the course of his career, Dr. Neil Crofts has worn many hats: urologist, president of the Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH) Medical Staff Association, head of PRH’s Department of Surgery, peri-operative medical director, and practice investigator, just to name a few.

For seven years, Dr. Crofts served as chief of staff at PRH. In the two years leading up to his retirement in April 2026, he was also the South Okanagan senior medical director.