A patient is brought into South Okanagan General Hospital from an ambulance on a stretcher in this file photo. The hospital is temporarily limiting some services in the emergency department between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. (Lyonel Doherty photo)
Residents are advised that due to limited physician availability at South Okanagan General Hospital, the emergency department will be closed during the overnight hours on April 23, 24, and 25.
Please take note of the following:
Between the hours of 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. on April 23, 24, and 25, the emergency department will be closed. The department will remain open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day. Regular emergency department service will resume on Tuesday, April 26 at 8 a.m.
Deb Runge, acute health director for the South Okanagan, said there are fewer physicians to cover emergency calls at this time. “They are working hard in their clinics and the hospital, and unfortunately they can’t cover the three nights.”
Runge said they are working with the towns of Oliver and Osoyoos to recruit new doctors to the area, and in fact, one new doctor relocated here last week, and another is expected to arrive in mid-May.
Residents should take note of the following if they require care when the emergency department is closed: In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1, or visit the emergency department at Penticton Regional Hospital. Those calling 9-1-1 during the closure will be rerouted to Penticton, Runge said.
Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24 hour service), if you are unsure about your need to go to the emergency department.
LYONEL DOHERTY
Special to the Times
