The emergency department at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater will be closed overnight because of a lack of nurses.

Interior Health says the temporary closure will begin at 6 p.m. this evening, May 21, and last until 7 a.m. Wednesday morning, May 22.

While all other services in Clearwater will continue as normal, people who are in need of emergency care are being told to head to Kamloops or 100 Mile House.

“People in the community who need life-saving emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility,” Interior Health said, in a statement.

“Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.”

This is the first emergency room closure in Clearwater since December of last year.

The Clearwater emergency department is usually open 24/7.