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Interior Health (IH) and Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation (VJHF) are taking significant steps towards advancing patient care and improving patient experience with the completion of the CT scanner expansion at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH). “Improving access to life-saving medical imaging has been a top priority for the Foundation in our partnership with IH in recent years,” said VJH Foundation Executive Director, Kate McBrearty. “Population growth and increasing demand for CT scans had pushed our old machine to its limits and CT expansion was identified as an area of crucial need.”   The expansion includes the replacement of an aging CT scanner with a top-of-the line new machine installed in 2022. Following that, another advanced CT scanner, a new patient waiting area, a control room next to the existing one, and new offices for radiology staff are now open. Having two scanners will enhance response times for emergency and trauma patients.   “It’s a testament to the remarkable generosity of our donors and our wonderful community that we were able to raise the $6.3M needed in record time,” said McBrearty.   A $1M anonymous gift was the spark for the Foundation to take on this project. The campaign went public during the annual Light a Bulb appeal in 2022. The outpouring of generosity enabled the Foundation to reach their goal months ahead of schedule.   “People living in Vernon and the surrounding areas will have increased access to crucial and timely diagnosis with this additional CT scanner,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “Our government is expanding team-based health care, reducing wait times for patients, and increasing state-of-the-art care for those who need it most across the province. We deeply appreciate the generosity and dedication of the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation and thank them for all they do to strengthen health care.”   A CT scanner is a medical imaging device that uses X-rays and advanced computer processing to produce detailed cross-sectional images of the body's internal structures. Newer CT scanner technology, like the machines acquired by VJH, produce better, sharper images with faster scan times, and enable medical teams to see inside the body without operating. “This new CT scanner is great news for people in Vernon and the region, who will directly benefit from increased access to top quality medical imaging,” said Harwinder Sandhu, Parliamentary Secretary for Seniors' Services and Long-Term Care, and MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “This will help to reduce wait times and will help with quicker diagnoses for better health outcomes. Our government is dedicated to continuing to grow capacity in our health care system so people can access the care they need close to home.”    This means more patients at VJH will have access to life-saving treatment. Medical teams will also have greater ability to perform non-invasive procedures that reduce pressure on operating rooms and decrease patient recovery times.   “This initiative reflects our dedication to promoting health and well-being for all, by improving access to innovative and improved technology for Vernon and area residents in their community,” said Andrew Hughes, executive director of clinical programs, Laboratory, medical imaging and pharmacy for Interior Health. “This is technology that can help healthcare providers diagnose and plan treatments for patients. Embracing innovation and replacing aging equipment are important priorities to maintain a high standard of care.”   In 2023, VJH conducted a total of 26,850 CT scans, averaging approximately 2,237 scans per month. Approximately 52% of scans were for emergency or inpatients and 48% for outpatients.   “The CT expansion is a huge investment in patient care, but it’s also a significant investment in our staff,” said Dr. Adam Weathermon, former department head of Imaging at VJH and VJH Foundation campaign cabinet member. “As physicians and medical staff, we all want to provide the best possible care. Having access to this innovative, life-saving technology in a bright, open welcoming space means we can do a better job of caring for our patients.”   No one knows better than Leanne Ramsey just how meaningful access to a CT scan can be. The young mom and mental health worker has lived through three cancer diagnoses in three years, needing 15 CT scans through her journey back to health. She has been a vocal champion of the expansion project since its launch.   “I wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t for the early diagnoses that I received through CT scans,” said Leanne. “Just think how many more people now have access to life-saving treatment thanks to this important initiative.”

Patients in the South Okanagan area are benefiting from a new, state-of-the-art computed tomography (CT) scanner at Penticton Regional Hospital (PRH).   “Investing in a second CT scanner at PRH is an important part of our strategy to increase efficiencies to better support patient care in the South Okanagan – Similkameen area,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO of Interior Health. “This innovative new equipment will help to provide the highest standard of care for the evolving needs of our patients, increasing access and reducing waits for this important diagnostic service.”  The new CT scanner at PRH marks a significant investment in health-care innovation. Thanks to support from the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation, staff and patients now have access to a highly efficient scanner resulting in more patients scans per day.  “This remarkable achievement underscores the power of community collaboration in shaping the future of health care,” said Ian Lindsay, CEO, SOS Medical Foundation. “We are incredibly grateful to our generous donors who funded a significant portion of the new machine. We are thrilled to be a part of this innovative project at PRH.”   The new, advanced equipment will accompany the existing PRH CT scanner. The efficiencies gained from the two scanners operating will help meet increasing patient demand and will reduce wait times and time conflicts for scheduled and emergency scans.    “Our government is delivering on our promise of expanding diagnostics services across the province by funding the operation of CT scanners and training technicians for current and future demand,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “We’re expanding team-based care, reducing wait times and investing in cutting edge services so people get the care they need, when and where they need it. Allies like the South Okanagan Similkameen Medical Foundation are crucial to our work, and we’re profoundly grateful for their vision and generosity.”  A CT is diagnostic equipment that combines X-ray with advanced computer-processing technology to create accurate, detailed images of internal structures and organs. A CT scan is an advanced medical-imaging procedure that uses a revolving X-ray producing tube, special electronic sensors and powerful computers, to make slice-like, cross-sectional images.  “The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District (OSRHD) is extremely pleased to hear this announcement,” said Martin Johansen, OSRHD Chair. “The OSRHD is a proud funding partner for the CT scanner project, which will help to meet the growing health care needs of the region.”    The new CT scanner cost $5 million and was funded through generous donations to the SOS Medical Foundation, and by the Okanagan Similkameen Regional Hospital District.   Quick facts:  A computed tomography (CT) scanner, also commonly known as a CAT scan, is a medical imaging device that utilizes X-rays and advanced computer processing to produce intricate cross-sectional images of the body's internal structures. The new CT scanner can accommodate upward of 60 patients per day. 21,711 scans were performed at PRH last year, with one CT scanner in place. 

Nakusp and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Arrow Lakes Hospital due to limited availability of nursing staff and the late notification of an absence this evening.  Emergency department services will be unavailable from 9 p.m. today, Tuesday, March 12 until 7 a.m.  on Wednesday, March 13. Patients can access emergency care at Queen Victoria Hospital in Revelstoke or at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson. During this time, inpatient services will continue as normal at Arrow Lakes Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.   Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 811, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.   The emergency department in Nakusp is normally open 24/7.

Interior Health (IH) is asking individuals who worked at IH from 2003 to 2009 to contact a toll-free number to determine if their personal information is contained in a document that has been recovered in an RCMP investigation. In January, the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP informed IH about a document discovered during an investigation that contained personal information of individuals, including current and former employees of IH. The information seized by police included names, dates of birth, social insurance numbers, home addresses, phone numbers, and the individuals’ age in 2009. The document provided to IH has more than 20,000 names on it. No patient information was included in the document retrieved by RCMP. IH has confirmed there are approximately 7,000 current employees listed and are taking steps to notify them. Due to the age of the data and its broad scope, IH is not able to accurately confirm the former employee information nor where the information came from. “Interior Health’s top priority is to ensure that personal information is always protected. We are reaching out to employees who worked for us during these years to ensure that if their information is involved, that they receive supports, including credit monitoring, if they are part of this investigation,” said Brent Kruschel, IH vice president of digital health. Anyone who was employed by IH between 2003 and 2009 is encouraged to call 1-833-705-2569 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. PDT Monday to Friday to determine if their information is in the document recovered by the RCMP, and if so for more information about steps they can take to protect their personal information. There is also additional information on the IH website at www.interiorhealth.ca/messageforIHstaff. “No arrests or charges have been made in relation to this information,” states Constable Chris Terleski, Media Relations Officer for the Vernon North Okanagan RCMP.  “As part of the continuing investigation, we are releasing this information so potentially impacted individuals can take the necessary steps to safeguard themselves. It is a timely reminder that identity fraud continues to be a persistent threat in our community and brings to light the importance of taking proactive steps to safeguard yourself.  You can significantly reduce your risk by educating yourself and staying informed about common fraud schemes and tactics, regularly monitoring your credit, and routinely reviewing financial accounts for any unusual activity.” In addition to working closely with the RCMP, IH hired external security experts to conduct a review of this situation. These external experts confirmed that this information is not on the dark web. If you or someone you know is a victim of a fraud, contact your local police service to report the crime and report it to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (CAFC) online or toll-free at 1-888-495-8501. If a financial loss did not occur, still report it to the CAFC.

Salmon Arm and area residents are advised of temporary changes to lab hours at Shuswap Outpatient Lab due to ongoing flood damage repair and restoration. Lab services will be unavailable Wednesday, March 6, Thursday, March 7 and Friday, March 8. Patients with appointments during this time will be contacted by Interior Health’s Digital Health Support Desk and informed of their revised booking. Those patients with existing bookings, as well as walk-in patients, will be redirected to lab services at one of the following locations: Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) Enderby Community Health Centre Lab (7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Pleasant Valley Health Centre Lab, Armstrong (7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) Sicamous Health Centre Lab (8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) Vernon Jubilee Hospital Lab (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) For assistance or inquiries about lab appointment bookings, contact the Digital Health Support Desk at 1-844-870-4756 (Monday to Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) The Shuswap Outpatient Lab is normally open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Salmon Arm and area residents are advised of temporary changes to lab hours at Shuswap Outpatient Lab due to flood damage repair and restoration. Lab services will be unavailable Monday, March 4 and Tuesday, March 5. Patients with appointments during this time will be contacted by Interior Health’s Digital Health Support Desk and informed of their revised booking. Those patients with existing bookings, as well as walk-in patients, will be redirected to lab services at one of the following locations:   ·                Shuswap Lake General Hospital, Salmon Arm (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.) ·                Enderby Community Health Centre Lab (7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) ·                Pleasant Valley Health Centre Lab, Armstrong (7:40 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.) ·                Sicamous Health Centre Lab (8:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.) ·                Vernon Jubilee Hospital Lab (7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.)   For assistance or inquiries about lab appointment bookings, contact the Digital Health Support Desk at 1-844-870-4756 (Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)   The Shuswap Outpatient Lab is normally open 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital due to limited physician availability. Emergency services will be unavailable from 6 p.m. on Friday, March 1 until 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 2. Patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital during this time. All other inpatient services will continue as normal at South Okanagan General Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.  Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  The emergency department in Oliver is normally open 24/7.

New Denver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Slocan Community Health Centre  due to limited nursing availability. Emergency services will be unavailable from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 29. Patients can access care at Arrow Lakes Hospital at 97-1st Ave NE, Nakusp. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.  Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  The emergency department at Slocan Community Health Centre is normally open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.

Dr. Robert Halpenny has been appointed chair of Interior Health's board of directors, succeeding Dr. Doug Cochrane after his passing earlier this month. "Dr. Halpenny brings with him a wealth of experience and knowledge in his career, which includes an extensive history of working with B.C.'s health authorities," said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. "He was instrumental in delivering the tertiary cardiac program to Interior Health, as well as the provision of helicopter services to meet the needs of patients in the region. Dr. Halpenny brings strong leadership qualities to the Interior Health board." Halpenny will serve as Interior Health board chair until the end of 2026. Since 2015, he has been the chair of the Medical Services Commission, which oversees adherence to the Canada Health Act and Medicare Protection Act. He also was government representative with the commission from 2005-16. For eight years, Halpenny worked as a family physician in Vancouver. His career as a health administrator spans more than 30 years, which included health-care societies in Vancouver, a hospital in Colorado, time at Fraser Health and the Provincial Health Services Authority, and eight years at Interior Health, where he served as senior medical director and for five years as president and CEO. Additionally, William Michael Gerrand and Bonnie Charlene Anne Pearson have been appointed to the board for a one-year term, ending Feb. 28, 2025. Gerrand is a principal with the accounting firm Grant Thornton LLP. Pearson is a labour leader with experience in the health-care sector. "The addition of the new board members will bring a depth of knowledge and community experience, from both public and private sectors, and I look forward to our continued work together," Dix said. A health authority board of directors helps ensure British Columbians receive the best care in an efficient, well-managed public health-care system. Boards are responsible for the governance and management of health services in the province. They work with health authority leadership to establish the organization's overall vision and ensure there is appropriate community consultation. Boards also regularly review the organization's long-term plans, look at significant issues affecting the organization and evaluate results. Learn more: Learn more about Interior Health's board of directors. To read the statement on the passing of Dr. Doug Cochrane, visit:https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024HLTH0022-000234