South Okanagan General Hospital ED temporary service change

OLIVER/OSOYOOS – Residents are advised that due to limited physician availability at the South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH) emergency department, there will be a temporary change to service during the overnight hours for the remainder of January.

Please take note of the following:

· Between the hours of 11 pm- 7 am from January 11 to January 31, patients will be assessed by an RN.

· Patients deemed to have urgent needs will be seen and cared for by a physician during this time.

· Those with less urgent needs will be encouraged to stay, to see a physician later in the morning.

· Patients who call an ambulance may be transported to Penticton Regional Hospital.

The emergency department will remain open during these times and, as indicated, all patients will be assessed as usual by our nurses.

How you can help:

·         Make sure your medications are full.
·         Follow your physician or health care team’s care plan.
·         If you are unwell, book an appointment with your family physician.
·         If your symptoms persist, please visit the ED.

Regular emergency department service will resume in February. Source: Interior Health Authority (IHA)

(editor’s note: what is regular emergency department service?)