Cariboo Memorial Hospital ER experiences 2nd closure in as many days

For the second consecutive day, residents in and around Williams Lake are without access to an emergency department due to a temporary closure.

In a notice sent out just after 9 am this morning, Interior Health announced that the ER at Cariboo Memorial Hospital had begun a temporary closure.

The closure is expected to last until 1:30 pm Sunday.

During the closure, patients needing emergency services can access care at 100 Mile District General Hospital in 100 Mile House.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal.

“People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (ie, chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility,” wrote Interior Health.

“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.”