The emergency department at the Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt will be closed for 24-hours, starting at 8 a.m. Friday, March 10 due to a lack of doctors.

Interior Health says the emergency department – which is normally open 24 hours a day – will reopen at 8 a.m. on Saturday, March 11.

“Emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops,” an IH release said. “During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital.”

Interior Health says people who need emergency care can also call 9-1-1 so they can be taken “to the nearest available and appropriate facility.”

They also say anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1.