Elkford residents requiring emergency health care today will need to travel to Sparwood or Fernie after the unexpected closure of the local emergency department.
Interior Health issued a press release this morning advising the Elkford Health Centre would not be able to offer emergency department services today amid staffing challenges.
“Residents are advised that due to unexpected limited nurse availability at the Elkford Health Centre, the emergency department will be closed today, Tuesday, July 10,” read the statement.
“Interior Health regrets this interruption to our normal emergency department services.”
Elkford residents requiring care are advised to call 9-1-1 or visit the emergency department at Sparwood Health Centre (open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.) or the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie, which is a 24-hour service.
They can also call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1, 24 hours a day, if they are unsure about their need to go to an emergency department.
Only emergency department services have been affected by the staffing challenge and Elkford Health Centre is open today, including for scheduled physician appointments.