Minister’s statement on mental-health supports for the holiday season
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following year-end statement regarding mental-health supports during the holiday season: “The holiday season is a time for celebrations, but for many, it can also be the season of loneliness, stress and difficult memories. “British Columbians have...
RDKB concerned regarding possible closure of ER at Boundary Hospital
The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary is sounding alarm bells about a possible closure of the emergency room at Boundary Regional Hospital in Grand Forks. In a media release regarding the possible closure Wednesday, RDKB officials are officials calling for urgent action from the Provincial government to stop this decision...
At least 10,000 lives lost to illicit drugs since declaration of public health emergency
At least 1,095 British Columbians are believed to have been lost to the toxic drug supply between January and June 2022, according to preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. “The ever-increasing toxicity of the unregulated, illicit drug market is taking a heart-breaking toll on the lives and well-being of members...
IHA reports COVID-19 outbreak at Talarico Place
Castlegar's Talarico Place, a long-term care facility, is one of four facilities in the region coping with a COVD-19 outbreak, according to the Interior Health Authority's website. “This page lists facilities where disease outbreaks have been declared,” the site says. “If you were thinking of visiting a facility listed below,...
OP/ED: Demand the 9-1-1 Service You Deserve
An Open Letter to all British Columbians: As British Columbians, we all rely on certain core services being available at the most critical moments of our lives. Because when they aren’t, an urgent situation can become catastrophic. We are taught from a young age that, when there’s an emergency, we should reach for the nearest...
Seniors Advocate urges seniors and caregivers to prepare for rising temperatures
Hot and dry weather is forecast for many regions of B.C. and rising temperatures may put vulnerable seniors at risk. Currently, forecasted temperatures are not expected to rise to the level of an extreme heat emergency, however, they are forecast to be higher than normal and will create heat wave conditions in certain areas...
Castlegar nurse accepts six-month suspension after faking vaccine cards
The BC College of Nurses and Midwives posted Friday regarding the outcome of an investigation into a Castlegar nurse. "On July 15, 2022 a panel of the Inquiry Committee approved a Consent Agreement between BCCNM and Sarah Jones of Castlegar, to address professional misconduct that occurred in 2021 arising from the use of her...
Almost 200 British Columbians lost to illicit drugs in May
Preliminary reporting released by the BC Coroners Service confirms that toxic illicit drugs claimed the lives of at least 195 British Columbians in May 2022. “After a catastrophic 2021, I am saddened to report that we are, once again, on pace to lose a record number of our community members in 2022,” said Lisa Lapointe, chief...
Main entrance closed for three weeks for renovations at Trail hospital
People who rely on Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail are advised that the main and emergency department public entrances will be closed for three weeks beginning July 11. Construction crews will be working on enhancing the entrance access to the regional hospital. To allow for the construction, patients and...
New pharmacy, more modernized care spaces open at Trail hospital
A new pharmacy at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital is now open, offering enhanced operational efficiency, improved working conditions and modern technology. The new pharmacy provides all pharmacy services for patients while they are in hospital, as well as home IV and oncology pharmacy services for individuals in the...
