ER closure overnight

Emergency services will be closed from 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 4 to 7 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. at South Okanagan General Hospital.

Patients should access emergency care at Penticton Regional Hospital during that time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at SOGH.

The closure is due to physician shortages, and is part of an ongoing pattern.

"People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility," reads a press release issued Friday.

"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."

The emergency department in Oliver is normally open 24/7.