Merritt residents will be without an emergency room tonight

The emergency room at Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt will be shut down at 6 p.m. tonight, Nov. 15, until 8 a.m. tomorrow.

The shutdown is due to a temporary staffing shortage, according to a news release from Interior Health.

“During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital,” the news release says. “Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or Kelowna General Hospital.”

READ MORE: Nursing shortages getting worse in Kamloops, Okanagan hospitals

People with life-threatening ailments like chest pains, difficulty breathing or severe bleeding should call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.

If they’re unsure, they can also call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1.

The Nicola Valley Hospital emergency room has been closed temporarily a number of times in the last few months.

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