The emergency department at 100 Mile District General Hospital in British Columbia’s South Cariboo region faced another temporary closure, marking the second time within a week. The closure, which lasted from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, was attributed to a lack of physician coverage, as confirmed by Interior Health authority. Earlier in the year, the emergency department had shut down for 13 hours on January 2 despite an initial 25-hour announcement.
Mayor Maureen Pinkney expressed concerns over the recurring closures, emphasizing the critical shortage of doctors in the area. To address urgent care needs during closures, Interior Health recommended visiting Cariboo Memorial Hospital in Williams Lake, approximately 90 kilometers away, or contacting 911.
Pinkney highlighted the impact of closures on the community, especially during outdoor events and sports activities. She has reached out to B.C. Health Minister Josie Osborne for support and suggested extending nurse practitioners’ working hours as a potential solution to alleviate pressure on rural emergency rooms.
In response to the ongoing challenges, the Ministry of Health is exploring strategies to integrate nurse practitioners into emergency departments more effectively. This initiative aims to enhance healthcare services in rural areas and mitigate the effects of temporary closures on patient care.
The closures at 100 Mile House Hospital are part of a broader trend affecting healthcare facilities across British Columbia. In 2025, over 250 temporary hospital and emergency room closures were reported, with various communities experiencing similar challenges due to staffing shortages. Measures such as virtual doctor care and recruitment campaigns have been implemented to address the issue and ensure continued access to emergency and specialized care across the region.