BCCDC reporting elevated levels of influenza and respiratory infections
B.C. is experiencing elevated influenza and RSV activity, similar to levels experienced before the COVID-19 pandemic. In children, influenza activity is at the highest levels since the start of this respiratory season, serving as a reminder for families to take proactive steps to reduce their risk of serious illness. The BC Centre for Disease and Control (BCCDC) […]
Mental-health, substance-use supports available during holiday season
While the holiday season is a time for celebrations, it can also be a time of year when people may feel lonely, stressed or triggered. The past few years have been difficult for people due to global unrest, the lasting impacts of natural disasters and the pandemic. On top of this, people in B.C. continue […]
Sharp rise in deaths among people experiencing homelessness continues in 2022
The deaths of at least 342 people experiencing homelessness were reported to the BC Coroners Service in 2022, continuing an increase in deaths among the unhoused population of 138% in the past two years. During the period studied (2015-22), there were 1,464 deaths involving individuals identified as experiencing homelessness in British Columbia, equating to an […]
IHA and regional hospital districts sign new MOU
A new memorandum of understanding between Interior Health (IH) and the seven Interior regional hospital districts (RHDs) will strengthen existing partnerships dedicated to improving care for people in the Interior. As part of the capital planning process, IH submits a funding request letter to the RHDs each December outlining the equipment, capital improvement projects and […]
Bridging Community Connections in Nelson: Human Rights and Harm Reduction
The will be a virtual regional learning event regarding the toxic drug crisis in the Kootenays on Tuesday, December 5th. The Bridging Community Connections in Nelson: Human Rights and Harm Reduction event is being held from 1-2:30 p.m. During the December 5th virtual event, the Canadian Drug Policy Coalition will release a new report with […]
KERPA welcomes new physician, response vehicle to program
KERPA (Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association) is excited to announce a few additions to the program. KERPA would like to welcome Dr. Amy Rudkoski to the team. Dr. Rudkoski, born in the Kootenays, is committed to serving her community and will be undergoing a one-year training program with KERPA before responding to 911 calls on […]
Letter: Disturbing stories only highlights need for hemodialysis treatments in Nelson
To The Editor: Thank you to the Nelson City Council and the Village of Kaslo for passing motions in support of the establishment of hemodialysis treatment at the Kootenay Lake Hospital. We, renal patients, are asking our politicians, West Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital Board, BC Renal, and Interior Health to make it possible for us […]
Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital expansion complete
People in Trail/Rossland are benefiting from better access to care, thanks to the completion of the pharmacy and ambulatory care project at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH). “The opening of the new ambulatory care space and pharmacy at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital is a significant step forward in our commitment to delivering high-quality care for […]
Jim Pattison Foundation commits $5 million to establish Centre for Health System Learning & Innovation
People living in the Interior region will soon benefit from a new Centre for Health System Learning & Innovation (the Centre) that is being established in partnership with Interior Health and the Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) Foundation. This centre is becoming a reality today with a commitment from The Jim Pattison Foundation of $5 million […]
Interior Health announces temporary service interruption at Slocan Community Health Centre ER
Interior Health said in a media release that for the second consecutive day there are temporary changes to emergency department hours at the Slocan Community Health Centre in New Denver due to limited nursing availability. Interior Health said said that emergency services will be unavailable Tuesday, Oct. 31 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and […]