This is part three in a three-part series exploring the connection between housing and health in the Interior Health region.

Homelessness is a challenge facing communities throughout British Columbia. Increasing numbers of people are living outdoors both in urban centres and in rural areas on private, municipal, provincial and federal government lands.

Oliver and area residents are advised that emergency services will be available at South Okanagan General Hospital on June 22 as staff coverage has been secured. 

A public service announcement (PSA) was issued earlier at 4 p.m. announcing a service interruption because of limited staffing availability. This PSA has been rescinded. 

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026. Patients can access emergency care at Penticton Regional Hospital during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue at South Okanagan General Hospital.

100 Mile House and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at 100 Mile District General Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. on Sunday, June 21, 2026. Patients can access care at Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue at 100 Mile District General Hospital.

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, June 19 to 8 a.m., Saturday, June 20, 2026. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Interior Health (IH) is sharing the independent report and update on actions taken to address workplace and system challenges that contributed to the seven-week pediatric service interruption at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) in 2025.

In late 2025, the IH Board of Directors commissioned Harbour West Consulting and Dr. Jana Davidson—who conducted interviews with pediatricians, nurses, administrators and leaders—to identify opportunities to support sustainable pediatric services at KGH.

New Denver area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Slocan Community Health Centre.