As people in the Interior head to lakes, rivers, swimming pools to cool off this summer, it is important to keep water safety in mind.
Okanagan Lake, a popular vacation destination, has had the most drowning deaths in B.C. with 33 over a 10-year span between 2015 to 2024.
Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.
Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 p.m. on Sunday, July 5, 2026 to 8 p.m. on Monday, July 6, 2026. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.
UPDATE: 100 Mile House and area residents are advised of updates to upcoming temporary changes to emergency department hours at 100 Mile District General Hospital.
Interior Health has secured staffing coverage at 100 Mile District General Hospital. Emergency services will now be available from Sunday, July 5 at 8 a.m. to Monday, July 6 at 7 a.m.
Emergency services will remain unavailable during the following dates:
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., Sunday, July 5 to 8 a.m., Monday, July 6, 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 is advising Clearwater and area residents of upcoming temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.
Emergency services will be unavailable during the following dates:
Interior Health is advising 100 Mile House and area residents of upcoming temporary changes to emergency department hours at 100 Mile District General Hospital.
Emergency services will be unavailable during the following dates:
Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.
Interior Health services that were impacted by the December 2025 facility water damage have returned to the Nelson Community Health Services Centre.
Services that were relocated back to the centre on Friday, June 26, include:
Due to factors such as extreme heat and ongoing dry conditions, there is a risk of wildfires in the Interior Health region this summer. Exposure to wildfire smoke can lead to a range of health effects, including throat and nose irritation, worsening of lung and heart conditions, and premature death.
There are many steps you can take to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and protect your health.
Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.
