By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Keremeos residents will see a reduction of emergency services at the Similkameen Health Centre from six days a week to just three, a move that Interior Health says will provide “more predictable services”.
Starting Nov. 17, the Similkameen Health Centre will be open for emergency services on Monday, Wednesday and Friday, between 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. instead of its regular Monday to Saturday schedule.
Interior Health said this change follows discussions with current physicians to provide “predictable health services to the public on set days and support physicians in providing primary care to their patients during periods when they are not providing emergency services at the centre.”
The health authority noted that all other inpatient services at Similkameen Health Centre will continue without interruption.
When the health centre is closed, patients are advised to call 911 or proceed to the nearest available hospital for care. Patients can access 24/7 emergency services at the Penticton Regional Hospital or Princeton General Hospital during these times.
Interior Health said it will “work closely with physicians and our community and health partners about how we can sustain and improve health services, reduce physician burnout and strengthen physician recruitment efforts in Keremeos.”
It added that further updates will be provided to the community as this planning evolves.
Patients in Keremeos requiring care who do not have a family doctor can access care in Penticton at the Urgent Primary Care Centre, Penticton Regional Hospital or by calling 911.
Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.
