Nicola Valley Hospital ER in Merritt closed for the 18th time in 2023

MERRITT — Merritt residents awoke to familiar news as the hospital was closed for the 18th time this year. That makes up 6 per cent of 2023 with 74 days left in the calendar year. That averages out to a closure once every 20 days or once every three weeks, a staggering set of statistics.

In a news release, Interior Health says the emergency department at Nicola Valley Hospital in Merritt will be temporarily closed from 7 p.m. Tuesday (Oct. 17) to 8 a.m. Wednesday due to limited nursing staff availability.

Mayor Mike Goetz has already discussed withholding tax dollars from the province for every day the hospital wasn’t fully functioning.

“I’m sure it won’t be a popular decision, but it’s one I encourage other mayors to pursue. It’s like paying for a 30 day transit pass but only being able to use 20 days or so.”