Interior Health says the emergency department at the Barriere and District Health Centre will be closed for the next three days due to limited nursing availability.

The closures began at 8:30 this morning Aug. 29, with the emergency room staying closed until 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 31.

Emergency services are set to return at 8:30 a.m. Thursday morning, Aug. 1, as the Barriere ER is usually open from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays.

“Emergency services will be unavailable [Monday to Wednesday] and patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops,” the IH statement said. “During this time, all other services will continue as normal at the Barriere Health Centre.”

Barriere residents who need life-threatening emergency care are being told to call 911 so they can be taken to the “nearest available and appropriate facility.” They’re also being told to call HealthLink BC at 811 if they’re not sure if they need emergency care.

This ER closure in Barriere is in addition to ongoing overnight closures at the Clearwater Emergency Room, which will be in effect until Sept. 3.