Sick notes restriction will leave more time for patient care
Changes to the Employment Standards Act will leave health-care providers with more time to spend with patients by eliminating the need for workers to get sick notes for short-term absences from work. Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Labour, has introduced Bill 11, amending the Employment Standards Act to help ease the administrative burden on B.C.’s health-care […]
Genomics research will advance treatment for B.C. patients
The Province is accelerating the future of patient care and advancing testing for cancer, heart disease, transplants and infections with eight new genomics research projects, in partnership with Genome BC and Genome Alberta. Genomics is the study of an organism’s genetic material and how genes work together. In medicine, genomics is used to develop personalized […]
New robotic technology to benefit Interior Health patients
Patients across Interior Health (IH) will soon benefit from less invasive surgery as Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) introduces leading-edge Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) technology for minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic tools will be connected to a surgeon-controlled robot, providing three-dimensional (3D) visualization and enhanced range of motion and control. “When someone goes for surgery, it can be a stressful […]
Health authority review launches to ensure support for front-line services
The Province is launching its health authority review to ensure resource allocations are supporting critical patient services and minimize unnecessary administrative spending. The Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA) has been selected as the first health authority to undergo review due to its provincewide role providing services and an array of additional shared services, such as […]
Province continues to ensure people are protected from COVID-19, measles
Starting Tuesday, April 8, 2025, free additional COVID-19 vaccines will be available to people in B.C., with a focus on those who are at higher risk of severe illness. “While the peak of respiratory illnesses has passed, influenza, COVID-19 and RSV are still here, and we must continue to practise healthy habits to keep illnesses […]
Deaths of unhoused British Columbians rose sharply in 2023
At least 458 people experiencing homelessness died in British Columbia in 2023, according to data from the BC Coroners Service. This reflects an increase of 23% from 2022 (373) and is nearly three times the number of people who died while experiencing homelessness in the province in 2020 (155). “The data speaks to the tragic […]
Water Quality Advisory issued for the South Slocan Water System
The Regional District of Central Kootenay (RDCK) has issued a Water Quality Advisory for users on the South Slocan Water System. The system is located in the community of South Slocan Village approximately 30 km southwest of Nelson and is within RDCK Electoral Area H. The Dam Inn is across Hwy 3A and is supplied water from this […]
KBRH Health Foundation Launches $2 Million “Mental Health Matters” Campaign
The KBRH Health Foundation is proud to announce the launch of its most ambitious fundraising initiative to date, the $2 million Mental Health Matters campaign. This transformative effort aims to revitalize mental health services across the Kootenay Boundary region by funding critical upgrades to the Daly Pavilion, Harbour House, and the Pediatric Outdoor Space at KBRH. Meeting […]
BC hockey hero scores off-ice hat trick addressing mental heath issues, fear and success
Heroes are typically seen as people who do amazing things in spite of overwhelming adversity. We often think of these people putting themselves in physical harms way to save the lives of others, but sometimes being a hero is as simple as sharing a story. On January 30th, 2025, The Campbell River RCMP were pleased […]
Selkirk College Practical Nursing Program Graduates First Cohort
Filling an essential gap in the region’s frontline health care needs, the first cohort of graduates from Selkirk College’s Practical Nursing Program are now out in communities making a difference. Spurred by staff shortages across the sector, the Provincial Government provided funding for new seats at post-secondary institutions across British Columbia in late-2022. Students in […]