New telehealth connections will help save lives
You can’t physically move an entire regional intensive care unit (ICU), but Interior Health is banking on telehealth technology to help. For hospitals in Kootenay Boundary without an ICU, specialists are using this technology to bring ICU expertise to emergency departments (EDs) in real time to care for critically ill or...
'Initiative Petition Application' underway, to change paramedics' bargaining rights
British Columbia’s Chief Electoral Officer, Keith Archer, has granted approval in principle on an initiative petition application. The petition will be issued to proponent Joshua Henshaw on Monday, January 9, 2017. The title of the initiative is: An initiative to amend the Fire and Police Services Collective Bargaining Act....
Artwork on sale at hospital to raise money/awareness
It has been a year since H.O.P.E. Creative Initiatives introduced itself to the Castlegar community, according to coordinator, Shauna Robertson. “We are an art based non-profit social enterprise supported with the services of Castlegar Mental Health and Substance Use,” Robertson said. Members of the H.O.P.E. enterprise are ...
Interior Health gets new board chair
Interior Health board member John O’Fee of Kamloops has been appointed incoming chair of the board of directors, to replace current board chair Erwin Malzer when he completes his tenure on Dec. 31, 2016. “In his 10 years as a director and two years as board chair, Malzer has served Interior Health with distinction, with a...
Interior Health urges public to fight influenza with a flu shot
Every year in Canada, about 12,200 people are hospitalized and 3,500 people die from influenza or its complications. The public can help themself and those around stay healthy, prevent illness and potentially save lives in one easy step – by getting your annual flu shot. Nelson Flu Vaccine Schedule Castlegar Flu Vaccine...
Public meeting Tuesday to discuss sale of Trail Smoke Eaters to US interests
The sale of the Trail Smoke Eaters BCHL hockey team will be a fantastic boost for the community, according to Smoke Eaters president Tom Gawryletz. Despite the tremendous support of the Trail Smoke Eater Society, public volunteers and its staff, the future of the community-run hockey team remained uncertain, until now. The ...
New legislation coming to address vaping products
Vaping isn’t for everyone — including the Government of Canada. On the Government website, the Canada’s Federal Tobacco Control Strategy said there will be introduction of new tobacco legislation to address vaping products in Canada. “Smoking tobacco is the leading cause of preventable death in Canada, affecting the well-being of all Canadians, including youth,” said […]
Initial contracts awarded for support recovery beds
Interior Health (IH) is pleased to announce five contracts have been awarded for the creation of 26 additional support recovery beds. These new beds will enhance mental health and substance use (MHSU) services throughout the B.C. Interior. “More beds mean more people can get their lives back,” said Health Minister Terry Lake. “Bed by bed, […]
Kudos to Castlegar cops during crisis
An immediate response by the Castlegar RCMP may have contributed to a man surviving a dire medical situation this past Saturday in Castlegar. On Sept. 17, at 9 a.m., officers with the Castlegar RCMP were approached in the detachment parking lot by individuals looking for assistance with a male who had collapsed while preparing...
Labour Day: B.C. seniors need our support
This Labour Day, members of the Hospital Employees’ Union are joining Canadians across the country in celebrating the contributions working people make towards building a healthier, fairer, more equitable society. But as we enjoy the holiday with family and friends, let’s remember the hard-won accomplishments our seniors have...