Local Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association (KERPA) has been featured in a book by national best-selling author Dr. Brian Goldman called The Casino Shift: Stories from an ER on the Edge. The book, to quote publisher Harper Collins, is, “an hour-by-hour account of what a Canadian emergency room is like in these turbulent times when […]

A new phase in British Columbia’s approach to mental health crisis response began on February 25 in the Southeast District, as RCMP detachments in Golden, Columbia Valley, Elk Valley Regional, Creston, Kimberley, and Cranbrook adopted HealthIM in collaboration with Interior Health. The system enhances real-time risk assessment and strengthens coordination with Interior Health emergency departments. HealthIM is […]

By Donald Weaver, Professor of Chemistry and Senior Scientist of the Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, University of Toronto Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is on track to become one of the defining public health challenges of our time. Every three seconds, somewhere in the world, someone is diagnosed with dementia, and it’s usually Alzheimer’s disease. […]

Construction begins today on the new magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) suite at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail, marking a major milestone in strengthening medical imaging and diagnostic services for people across the Kootenay Boundary region. “Investing in modern health-care infrastructure is essential to making sure communities across British Columbia have access to the […]

A record 575 people in British Columbia received the gift of life in 2025, thanks to the incredible generosity of 232 organ donors, including 146 deceased donors and their families and 86 living donors. This is the highest number of organ transplants ever performed in the province in a single year. (Full annual summary available […]

More people in B.C. can now get timely, personalized addictions care as government expands Access Central, a phone line that provides a single point of entry to connect people to certified health providers, and comprehensive, people-centred care. “Supports like Access Central make a real difference for people on their road to recovery,” said Josie Osborne, […]

The Nelson Community Health Services Centre remains temporarily closed due to water damage that occurred in the afternoon of Dec. 30. Interior Health does not have a confirmed date for re-opening of the health services centre at this time. Services provided at the centre are being reestablished at alternate locations, including unused space at the neighbouring Nelson Fairview […]

The Kootenay Emergency Response Physicians Association (KERPA) is thrilled to announce that Dr. Brock Browett, a dedicated resident physician and experienced paramedic, is joining the organization as an Emergency Response Physician in training. Originally from Hamilton, Ontario, Dr. Browett brings over a decade of frontline expertise as a licensed Advanced Care Paramedic (ACP). He has […]

B.C.’s independent Human Rights Commissioner is expressing serious concerns about recently released General Guidance for Physicians on Treatment of Children and Youth with Substance Use Disorders Under the Mental Health Act(opens in a new window). Commissioner Kasari Govender is concerned the guidance runs contrary to the government’s human rights obligations by ignoring important evidence on the ineffectiveness of involuntary […]

Dr. Bonnie Henry, provincial health officer, has issued the following statement on immunizations for the holiday season: “As people in British Columbia gather to celebrate the holiday season, I encourage everyone to get their updated influenza and COVID-19 vaccines to protect themselves and their loved ones against severe illness. “Based on the most recent epidemiological […]