LETTER: Nurses' union speaks to Feb. 4 ER closure
BC Nurses’ Union members continue to be concerned about the closure of the Castlegar Emergency services on February 4. We want the community of Castlegar to know that our priority is to provide quality and safe patient care. The nurses at Castlegar Hospital will continue to advocate for improvements so that high quality care will […]
Health Watch decries diminished local services
Dear Editor, The list of downgraded services in our health care system steadily grows, whether it is in the emergency room, the ambulance service, community nursing, public health nursing, home support services, hospital care and so on. The tragedy is that there is a whole generation of younger people now who have no idea...
City invites IHA spokesperson to public meeting to discuss ER closure
The City of Castlegar is asking Interior Health Authority (IHA) spokesperson Diane Gagnon to attend the public portion of city council’s next meeting, to discuss the unscheduled closure of Castlegar’s emergency ward last Saturday. This, after city officials received a letter of apology for the poor communication before, and during, the closure. “Normally, a public […]
Approval of Jasper development ignores public outcry
Banff, Alberta– Over the objections of almost 200,000 citizens, the federal government has approved the proposed “Brewster Glacier Discovery Walk” in Jasper National Park. Conservation organizations fear that the beauty and integrity of Jasper National Park are being surrendered to commercial interests, opening the door for...
IHA offers Castlegarians an apology
An open letter to the community of Castlegar; Interior Health would like to apologize to the residents of Castlegar and area for not properly informing you of the temporary closure of the emergency department last Saturday. Interior Health has contingency plans in place when facing a service interruption like this, which includes notifying community officials, […]
First responders learn about Castlegar emergency ward closure on Facebook
Tonight’s city council meeting will almost certainly see disgruntled residents and representatives, after Castlegar’s emergency ward was closed without notice Saturday. People – even first responders – seeking medical care were met, at the hospital doors, with a sign that read, “Emerg dept closed for today (Sat Feb 4) Please head to Trail or Nelson […]
New meat inspection program planned for B.C. by 2014
The Province has completed a comprehensive review of options for provincially operated meat inspection services at Class A and B licensed abattoirs. This ensures that B.C. continues to provide the most effective, safe meat inspection system possible when the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) steps back from this role. ...
Health organizations launch anti-pesticide campaign
Leading health organizations today launched BC’s first ever anti-pesticide advertising campaign – a major newspaper blitz that urges all British Columbians to support a lawn and garden pesticide ban. Health organizations endorsing the campaign include the Canadian Cancer Society, the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the...
Biological Warfare- Fight those Colds Back With Effective Weapons
It seems after the Christmas holiday with all those late nights, rich foods and probably way more sugar than usual, the infamous flu is back wreaking havoc on those taxed immune systems! So, I thought I would write an article on dealing with potent bacteria that are taking advantage of our neglectful ways. There are […]
Fukishima nuclear disaster - one year later
A group of Canadian and American physicians, concerned about public health are organizing a one day conference to explore the potential health and environmental impacts from the troubled reactors in Fukushima and highlight the need for better monitoring and disclosure.The conference, The Fukushima Nuclear Disaster – One Year...