The emergency department at the Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt is once again closing overnight tonight.

Interior Health says the closure, which goes from 7 p.m. Friday to 8 a.m. Saturday, is due to “unexpected staffing availability.”

It represents the 17th ER closure in Merritt for 2023.

“During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital,” said IH in a statement.

Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops, or call 911 if they are in need of life-threatening, emergency care.

Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.