100 Mile House ER closed for 10th time in 2026

The emergency room at 100 Mile District General Hospital has been closed for the 10th time in 2026, raising serious concerns among residents and local officials about healthcare access in the region. The latest closure was confirmed by Interior Health, which said the shutdown was due to a lack of available doctors to cover emergency shifts.

The closure began early in the morning and continued throughout the day, leaving residents of 100 Mile House without immediate emergency services. People in need of urgent care were advised to travel to Cariboo Memorial Hospital, located about 80 kilometres away, or call emergency services if needed. However, the distance and road conditions have made this situation stressful and risky for many families.

Local residents say the repeated closures are creating fear and uncertainty. Parents, especially those with young children, are worried about handling medical emergencies without nearby support. Some residents have even started planning daily activities around whether the hospital is open, highlighting the seriousness of the issue.

Mayor Maureen Pinkney expressed frustration over the ongoing situation. She explained that the main problem is a shortage of doctors willing to work in the emergency department. According to her, nearby hospitals like those in Williams Lake offer better pay and more facilities, which attract more medical staff. This has left smaller communities like 100 Mile House struggling to maintain basic healthcare services.

Health officials acknowledged the issue and said efforts are being made to recruit more doctors. They also noted that larger hospitals are often prioritized because they provide a wider range of services, including advanced care options. Despite ongoing recruitment efforts, staffing shortages continue to affect rural healthcare systems.

Officials added that factors such as work-life balance, competitive salaries, and workload are influencing doctors’ decisions on where to work. Authorities plan to work closely with existing medical staff to better understand their concerns and improve conditions in smaller communities.

The repeated emergency room closures highlight a growing challenge in rural healthcare, where limited resources and staffing shortages are making it difficult to provide consistent services. Residents and local leaders are now calling for long-term solutions to ensure reliable and accessible healthcare for everyone in the community.