Emergency Services in Merritt are once again unavailable due to a lack of doctors.

“Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital due to limited physician availability,” said Interior Health in a post on social media.

“Emergency services will be unavailable 8 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12 to 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.”

Interior Health says all other services at the Nicola Valley Hospital remain up and running.

“People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility,” said Interior Health.

This is the second emergency department closure in Merritt this year, after 20 last year.

The emergency department at Nicola Valley Hospital in #Merritt will be closed Monday, Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. to Tuesday, Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. due to limited physician availability. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or dial 911. https://t.co/ZUbXx8WNzq pic.twitter.com/deH0urBGVU

— Interior Health (@Interior_Health) February 11, 2024