Due to limited availability of doctors, the Sparwood Primary Health Care Centre has been forced to reduce the hours their emergency department is open to patients.
Over the last week, the emergency room was open for limited hours on two days, and closed completely on one. Coming up on Wednesday, October 10 the emergency room will only be available from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Going forward, the emergency department will continue its regular daily hours of 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sparwood and Elkford residents needing immediate care when the emergency room is closed are advised to call 9-1-1. People require non-urgent care can go the emergency room in Fernie, open 24 hours a day. Anyone unsure of the services they need can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.