Last minute ER closure

The South Okanagan General Hospital is closing its emergency room Thursday from 12 to 7 p.m.

In a press release issued less than two hours before the closure, Interior Health alerted residents of the change in operating hours.

“Patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital during this time,” Interior Health noted in a press release.

“All other inpatient services will continue as normal at South Okanagan General Hospital.”

Previous closures have been attributed to a doctor shortage, however, Interior Health did not state the reason for this most recent one.

Anyone with chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding, and other emergency situations are asked to call 911 emergency operators to be transported to the next nearest hospital.

Those unsure whether their situation is an emergency can call HealthLink BC at 811 or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca.

The South Okanagan General Hospital's emergency service has repeatedly closed over 30 times this year alone, due to an ongoing doctor shortage.