Residents in Sparwood and Elkford are being warned by Interior Health that their emergency department hours will be affected by staff shortages over the next month.
Interior Health said the temporary changes to the hours at the health centres in Elkford and Sparwood are due to “limited physician availability.”
The Elkford emergency department and medical clinic will be closed January 2, January 3 and January 31.
The Sparwood emergency department will be closed January 4 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m, January 5, January 6, January 10 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. and January 31 from 8 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Except for these dates, Elkford and Sparwood health centres will be open during normal hours.
Normal hours in Elkford are Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and in Sparwood, seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Interior Health advises residents to call 9-11 in an emergency or use the emergency department in Fernie if their local department is closed.
If individuals are unsure about what services they require, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. The toll-free line provides 24-hour, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse.