B.C. health authority proposes virtual care pilot program to keep small ERs open

An Interior Health sign is seen outside the entrance to Kelowna Community Health & Services Centre in this undated file photo. (CTV)

Virtual emergency care is being proposed for four communities in British Columbia’s Interior in an effort to reduce the number of emergency room closures over lack of staffing.

A statement from Interior Health says hospitals in Clearwater, Nakusp, Lillooet, and Princeton are similar in size with low overnight patient volumes.

The pilot program would allow doctors to “share responsibilities” with a mix of virtual and on-site staffing.

The statement says the health authority is working with doctors and staff to understand what might work to create the project and test the idea.

Health Minister Josie Osborne says the plan is a “forward-looking approach” that strengthens rural emergency services and ensures timely care.

Many British Columbia emergency rooms have faced repeated temporarily closures overnight and on weekends due to a lack of staff to cover available shifts.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 22, 2025