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Sparwood and Elkford emergency closures to continue
Since the end of June, Interior Health (IH) only has two permanent physicians – Dr. Pigott (part time) and Dr. Higgins (full time) – supporting services at the Sparwood Health Centre.
Dr. Pigott and Dr. Higgins will continue to do their best to meet the needs of their patients, as well as former patients of Dr. Allen, Dr. Workman and Dr. Zanozin.
IH is working to find locum (visiting physician) coverage whenever possible. We continue to actively recruit for more physicians in Sparwood and a new full-time permanent physician will start work in September.
However, given the current shortage of permanent physicians in the community, Interior Health is facing periods in July and August, both during daytime and after hours, when the emergency department in Sparwood will be closed if locum coverage is unavailable.
Elkford services and physician recruitment
Dr. Barden is away for July and August, but we have secured locum coverage to support clinic and emergency department services at Elkford Health Centre over the summer.
Active recruitment for additional physicians for Elkford continues. A new full-time permanent physician will start in August – this will reduce the risk of service interruptions moving forward.
However, given we do not have full physician staffing, there will be days in July when the emergency department in Elkford is closed.
Information for patients
During emergency department closures in Sparwood and Elkford, residents will need to access emergency medical care at the Elk Valley Hospital in Fernie.
Interior Health and the current physicians in Sparwood and Elkford appreciate the patience and understanding of residents in the area as we work with our communities to fill all open physician positions.
Interior Health will continue to provide weekly updates regarding any changes to normal services in Elkford and Sparwood.
Updates can be accessed in local media and the Interior Health Website, by calling either the Sparwood (250-425-6212) or Elkford (250-865-2247) Health Centers. A sign in front of the Sparwood Health Center is updated daily with the hours for the emergency department and possible closures.
Meanwhile, here are upcoming closures.
The Elkford Emergency Department will be closed Friday, July 19.
Sparwood Emergency Department hours will be adjusted on the following dates:
Tuesday, July 16 – open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday, July 17 – open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Note: Sparwood hours of operation are normally seven days a week, from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Residents should take note of the following if they require care when their emergency department is closed:
In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1.
Residents should proceed to the emergency department in Fernie.
If individuals are unsure about what services they require, call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1. The toll-free line provides 24-hour, confidential health information and advice from a registered nurse.
Interior Health
