An overnight emergency room closure at the Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater will be extended by one more night, but the Mayor says there is light at the end of the tunnel.

“Interior Health has informed me that due to a combination of temporary nurses, nurses from other areas, and new hires, that they are going to be able to resume 24/7 coverage at the Clearwater ER starting on Sunday night,” Merlin Blackwell told NL News.

“The schedule going up to Sept. 14 seems to be covered at this point.”

Blackwell – who previously said relief could be coming by mid-September – though cautions the situation is still precarious as even one person calling in sick could lead to more shutdowns.

“It is very tentative so I’m knocking on wood, crossing my fingers, and every other trick that I have to hope that this is something that can be sustained,” he added.

There has been no overnight ER coverage in Clearwater since Aug. 11, which Blackwell says has led to some tense moments in his community.

“The incident in Barriere with the ambulance service really drove the fear here home, especially because we also have some ambulance shortages here,” Blackwell said.

“So having the security once again of 24/7 ER coverage here should make people feel a little bit better. It is, in a way a small win, so we’re going to take it, and we’re going to hope that we can build on that.”

Clearwater BC ER closures for Sept 2(tonight) 6pm to 7am and Saturday 3rd 6pm to 7am. BUT!!!! We have 24/7 staffing after that until September 14th, and possibly beyond! @crystalmundypsy @RadioNLNews @CBCKamloops @Jamloops @PennyDaflos @MBernardoNews pic.twitter.com/3PPDKeIEuF

— Merlin Blackwell, Mayor (@BlackwellMerlin) September 2, 2022