South Okanagan ER reopens after 3rd overnight closure this week

Residents in and around Oliver were once again without an emergency department overnight.

The ER at South Okanagan General Hospital closed its doors at 7 pm on Friday and remained shut until 7 am Saturday.

The closure marked the third time that the ER in Oliver had been temporarily closed this week.

On Monday, the ER closed at 5 pm and did not reopen until 7 am Tuesday. The ER was open for less than 12 hours before closing at 5 pm on Tuesday and staying shut until 7 am on Wednesday.

During the closure, patients were directed to Penticton Regional Hospital for emergency care.

All other inpatient services continued as normal in Oliver.

“People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (ie, chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 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.”