UPDATED: New Denver to lose 24/7 ER coverage on Feb. 1

The emergency department hours at the Slocan Health Centre in New Denver will be reduced next month.

Interior Health’s Karen Bloemink says they can’t sustain 24/7 service at the centre with a single doctor and nurse practitioner.

The change takes effect Feb. 1.

Those needing care outside of weekday hours will have to visit the emergency department at Nakusp’s Arrow Lakes Hospital.

IH says the change is due to the continued challenge to recruit new physicians to New Denver.

Bloemink says they began their recruitment efforts eight months ago.

Bloemink says IH will continue recruitment efforts.

New Denver mayor Ann Bunka is disappointed with the move.

She says they were hoping they wouldn’t lose round-the-clock coverage before April.

Bunka says their request for more time was denied.

She’s still hopeful that once they do find new physicians they might be able to restore 24-7 service.

Since September New Denver has been down to a single doctor, who indicated he was willing to maintain round-the-clock ER coverage until April.

 

Continue Reading

chnv Now playing play

ckkc Now playing play

- Advertisement -

Related Articles

- Advertisement -

Latest News

Drug alert issued for entire Interior Health Region

A drug alert has been issued across all Interior Health regions following an increase in the detection of carfentanil in Down (opioid). 

Category 2 open fire prohibition coming into affect Friday

Category 2 open burning will be prohibited across the Southeast Fire Centre starting Friday, July 11 at 12 p.m.  

Join the Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park in Nelson on July 10

The Nelson & Area Wildfire Risk Reduction Committee is inviting residents and visitors in the Kootenays to take part in a family-friendly Wildfire Awareness Party at Lakeside Park on Thursday, July 10, from 2 to 6 p.m.

WestJet adding more flights on B.C. routes

WestJet is increasing the frequency of several B.C. routes, starting next week. 

Updated: Missing woman found

Police are seeking the public's assistance in locating 52-year-old Jodi Lynn Perry, who was last seen in Airdrie on Wednesday, however, believed to be in the Salmo area.
- Advertisement -