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...
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...
B.C.’s COVID-19 immunization plan continues with fall boosters
People in B.C. can look ahead to their next COVID-19 vaccine dose with the Province announcing a fall booster program as the next step in its COVID-19 immunization plan. B.C.’s COVID-19 vaccination strategy has helped keep people protected from the severe illness associated with getting this virus. With the fall and winter ...
First monkeypox case detected in B.C
A case of monkeypox has been confirmed in B.C. through laboratory testing at the BC Centre for Disease Control and awaiting confirmation at the National Microbiology Laboratory. The individual resides in Vancouver. Vancouver Coastal Health is conducting public health follow-up. More than 700 cases of monkeypox infection have...
Text alerts for toxic drugs now available in Interior
In response to the ongoing toxic drug emergency, a new health alert system has been launched across Interior Health. “Across the province – in every community – we continue to see tragic deaths due to the toxic drug supply. The new alert system is an example of innovation and community collaboration to save lives in this...
IHA: What you need to know about bats
As more people head outdoors across Interior Health, it is likely they may encounter bats. Bats can carry diseases that can be transmitted to humans. This PSA provides tips on how to avoid bat exposures and when to seek health advice. Bats and rabies In B.C., between four and eight per cent of bats that come into contact with...
Year 2 of surgical renewal delivers most surgeries ever completed in a year in B.C.
In its second year of delivering on its surgical renewal commitment to patients, B.C. has exceeded its pre-pandemic volume of surgeries. “Through the dedicated efforts of everyone involved in delivering surgeries and the actions by British Columbians to slow the rapid spread of COVID-19 and ease pressures on our hospitals, ...
165 British Columbians lost to toxic drug supply in March 2022
Toxic drugs have claimed the lives of more than 150 British Columbians for the 18th consecutive month, according to the latest preliminary data released by the BC Coroners Service. “It is encouraging to see a decrease in the number of lives lost in February and March relative to previous months, but we know the illicit drug...
IHA warns of toxic algae blooms
Spring is here and the warmer weather means algae can start growing in your favorite lake and may form a bloom. Algae are a natural part of the aquatic ecosystems of lakes and algae blooms can occur throughout the Interior Health region. Blue-green algae or Cyanobacteria can produce several types of toxins that can be poisonous...
BC PharmaCare provides new, expanded coverage
Thousands of people in B.C. will benefit from BC PharmaCare’s new and expanded coverage of medications for ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease, severe hypoglycemia, migraines, the treatment of low white blood cell levels, multiple sclerosis, heart failure, and birth control. Effective April 12, 2022, vedolizumab (Entyvio),...
