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As the toxic drug crisis continues, Interior Health in collaboration with local prescribers has implemented a new model to help connect people in the East Kootenay region who have opioid use disorder with opioid agonist treatments (OAT), such as methadone and Suboxone. “When people bravely reach out for help, we want supports to meet them,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “This innovative approach will help more people in the East Kootenays access life-saving treatment, as government continues to build a system of mental health and addictions care across the province.” A new centralized East Kootenay-wide OAT clinic has been launched in order to maximize OAT prescribing resources in the region. The clinic provides clients with access to an OAT prescriber on any weekday at their local Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) centre, using an innovative blend of in-person and virtual appointments. The service is available in five East Kootenay communities: Cranbrook; Creston; Invermere; Golden; and Sparwood. The clinic is comprised of physicians, nurse prescribers and a centralized medical office assistant. “The provision of OAT medication, and with substance use treatment generally, has unique challenges. By leveraging technology and through working together we continue to remove barriers to treatment. I’d like to thank the prescribers who have stepped up to participate in this program, while encouraging others to do so as well,” said Interior Health president and CEO Susan Brown. This new model is a unique approach to address several challenges presented by the geography of the region. It also provides more options for clients whose prescriptions run out, who may otherwise rely on illicit opioids. Call the new OAT intake office at 250-420-2210. Earlier this year, Interior Health announced a project to connect people with opioid use disorder with Suboxone in hospital emergency departments. To learn more about OAT medications in the treatment of opioid use disorder visit our OAT page. Quotes David “Personally it has given me my life back. It was taken away when I had my accident, and again when I became addicted to the pain meds I needed. OAT therapy has taken away the cravings and desire for any other meds because I am now on the right med at the right dose. I am not stigmatized by the physician and we have built a good relationship. Virtual visits have been helpful. I am able to have a physician who does not live in my own community and get the care I need.” Lisa “I would like to share what the OAT program has done for me. For many years under a doctor’s care I was on Oxycodone and needed to come off. I was in the hospital for three weeks and it was the worst thing I ever went through. The Nurse Prescribers at the OAT program were vital in my recovery as I have stayed clean for a year now and don’t know what I would have done without them. They are so caring and invested in my recovery that I feel I can share anything with them and they have done everything in their power to suggest support, listen and encourage. I know they are probably overworked, but they never turn their backs. They are wonderful at what they do, and without them, I may have given up and relapsed. Instead, I am very proud to say I have a year in recovery. I could never repay what they have done for me, and in today’s world someone who sincerely cares is rare. I would recommend this program to anyone and feel blessed to have this resource.” Jaime “I’ve been coming to the OAT clinic almost a year now and it has helped me change my life. The Nurse Prescribers there are easy to talk to, understanding and non-judgemental. With their help and knowledge of what medications would help my withdrawals, they helped find the right program. I am on the Sublocade (buprenorphine) program, and with it I was able to get my life back to normal rather than depending on something everyday just to get me through. I’m able to spend time with my kids and not have to worry about appointments every day. I definitely would not have been able to beat my drug habit if there was no clinic like this to go to. Thank you sooo much.”

Public health officials with Interior Health (IH) remind everyone there is still time to get your influenza vaccine (flu shot) and those six months and older are eligible. It’s easier than ever to get immunity for your community. Influenza vaccinations are free for everyone in B.C. six months of age or older, to best protect themselves, their loved ones, their communities and the health-care system this fall and winter. “With a surge of respiratory illness in fall and winter, we encourage everyone to get an influenza vaccine for protection, especially while more people are socializing or traveling,” says Dr. Fatemeh Sabet, an Interior Health medical health officer.  Families can book an appointment through the Get Vaccinated system. Families with a child under 12 only need to book one appointment in a 6 month to 11 year clinic, and the whole family can get their COVID and influenza vaccines at the same time. Immunization appointments for people 12 and older are available at select community pharmacies and IH clinics, and are booked through the Get Vaccinated system. It’s safe to get your COVID-19 booster at the same time as getting your influenza vaccination. Although booking through the Get Vaccinated system is the most efficient way to access an influenza vaccine, limited walk-ins at some pharmacies continue to be available. Alternatively, you can phone the provincial call centre (toll-free) at 1-833-838-2323. If no appointments are available when you book, try again later or expand your search area; new appointments are added daily. Getting immunized helps protect you and those around you by reducing the spread of influenza. Influenza can cause serious illness requiring hospitalization, which places additional demand on the health-care system that is still also seeing impacts from COVID-19. Influenza vaccines are safe and effective. They have undergone rigorous review before getting approved by Health Canada. In addition to getting vaccinated against influenza, frequent handwashing, respecting personal space, cough etiquette and staying home when sick continue to be important methods to limit the spread of germs.

Merritt and area residents are advised of a temporary change to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital due to unexpected limited staff availability. Starting at 6 p.m. tonight, Nov. 15, to 8 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, emergency services will be unavailable in Merritt and patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or Kelowna General Hospital. During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley 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 Merritt is normally open 24/7.

A $22-million capital investment will fund an expanded oncology clinic at Penticton Regional Hospital. “We’re proud that the expansion of the oncology clinic at Penticton Regional Hospital will benefit people across the region, as patients and families will continue to be able to receive medical oncology treatments and followup care closer to home,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. The project will more than double the capacity of the existing department and provide a modern setting and a welcoming environment to receive care. “A newly renovated and modern cancer clinic space will provide the kind of healing space that we all know our residents need,” said Roly Russell, MLA for Boundary-Similkameen. “Beyond that, it will also support the critical need for recruitment and retention of more skilled health-care professionals in our region, which is top of mind for all of us. So many families across the Interior will benefit and be given better options to receive care closer to home with our expanded oncology clinic, thanks to this huge capital investment in care.” With the incidence of cancer estimated to increase in the Interior over the next 20 years, an expanded oncology clinic will support the expected increase in demand for outpatient medical oncology services provided at the Penticton Regional Hospital. “Providing enhanced care spaces that support patient care and improve working conditions for staff and physicians are key parts of our investment strategy,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health. “With support from the South Okanagan Similkameen (SOS) Medical Foundation and the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District, this investment will help provide timely access to cancer treatments for residents across the South Okanagan and Similkameen.” The expansion is funded through a partnership between the Ministry of Health through Interior Health, the Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District and the SOS Medical Foundation. The Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District is contributing $3.2 million to the project, and the SOS Medical Foundation has kicked off the Better Care Better Outcomes campaign with the goal to raise $10 million to bring more cancer care closer to home for residents of the South Okanagan and Similkameen: https://sosmedicalfoundation.com/ “The expansion of oncology services at Penticton Regional Hospital is very exciting news for everyone touched by cancer in the South Okanagan and Similkameen,” said Sally Ginter, CEO, SOS Medical Foundation. “Our foundation is committed to working with our health partners and our donors to realize this vision. The communities in our region are generous, and I am confident that they will see the importance of this expansion and help us reach our fundraising goal of $10 million.” The SOS Medical Foundation’s oncology campaign began with a $500,000 gift from Essio Truant, donated in memory of his late wife Dianne. Truant has since died. “Expanding the oncology clinic at Penticton Regional Hospital is an important step forward for patients and staff,” said Martin Johansen, chair, Okanagan-Similkameen Regional Hospital District. “Increasing patient capacity and working conditions will ensure Penticton Regional Hospital continues to be a world-class health-care facility.” Planning is underway for the expansion of the Penticton Regional Hospital Community Oncology Network clinic. The existing clinic will remain open while the relocation and renovations take place. The new clinic is anticipated to be open to patients in November 2024. Read original release from BC Gov News

Local residents in the Clearwater area who are enrolled in MyHealthPortal will now be able to book outpatient X-ray appointments online. Interior Health launched MyHealthPortal in June 2016, which provides convenient and secure access to users’ personal health information including lab results, medical imaging reports, patient visit history, and more. MyHealthPortal is expanding to allow patients to self-schedule X-ray appointments at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital in Clearwater. Appointments will be scheduled for Oct. 17 and onwards. Patients, caregivers and families must be enrolled users of MyHealthPortal to book an X-ray appointment. Visit www.interiorhealth.ca/myhealthportal to learn how to enrol. Patients, caregivers and families who have not registered for MyHealthPortal may still access a limited number of first come-first served walk-in appointments Monday to Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Patients, caregivers and families must have a copy of their X-ray requisition to book online or attend a walk-in appointment. Appointments will not be booked by phone after Nov. 1, 2022 so it is advised to sign up for a MyHealthPortal account if walk-in appointments are not convenient. All Holter and ECG exams will continue to be booked with patients by phone. For assistance with scheduling an appointment or enrolling with MyHealthPortal, residents may call the Digital Health Support Desk at 1-844-870-4756.

People in Cranbrook and surrounding areas will have access to new treatment and recovery options, as well as expanded mental health and substance use services, as the Province continues to build a comprehensive system of care throughout British Columbia. Through Interior Health, the Province is adding 10 beds at the Recovery Ranch by Edgewood Health Network in the Cranbrook area, including five young adult substance-use treatment beds and five adult withdrawal management beds. First Nations, Métis and Inuit people within the Interior Health region will be given priority for these beds. “When people in the Cranbrook region make the courageous decision to reach out for help, we want services close to home,” said Sheila Malcolmson, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “These 10 treatment beds, plus expanded mental health services, will help people get on their pathway to recovery. In addition to the hundreds of treatment beds we’ve already opened, they’re a vital part of the system of care we’re working urgently to build.” In addition, the Province is expanding existing mental health and substance-use supports for youth and adults in the region. This includes adding health-care workers to the intensive case management team, which provides support to people experiencing severe mental-health and/or substance-use concerns, and the integrated treatment team, which provides flexible substance-use treatment. New early psychosis intervention services are also being added to support people in the early years of living with psychosis. In total, 12 additional staff positions will support these expanded services, which are now offered out of the new office location at 2 - 926 Baker St. “The care provided at the Recovery Ranch will help people be successful in the early days of their recovery by providing well-supported withdrawal management,” said Diane Shendruk, vice-president, clinical operations (North), Interior Health. “In addition, the facility will strive to offer culturally safe care in a stable setting for young adults to focus on their longer-term wellness goals.” Enhancing supports for people living with mental-health and substance-use needs, as well as treatment and recovery options, is an integral part of A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for building the comprehensive system of mental-health and addictions care for British Columbians. Quotes: Carlee Campbell, director of operations, Western Canada, Edgewood Health Network – “We are excited about the opportunity to dive into this work, in collaboration with partners in the community and Interior Health, and continue developing the landscape for a recovery-oriented system of care in the Interior. We hope to provide excellent, short- and long-term, person-centered and self-directed services, that are evidence-based, and will strengthen all patient's recovery capital and will honour both the individual needs of patients, while also relying on the strength of best practice.” Christina Basedow, vice-president Western Canada, Edgewood Health Network – “Edgewood Health Network (EHN Canada) is honoured to have this opportunity for collaboration and connection with Interior Health, and the Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions in British Columbia. Our purpose is to provide all Canadians with accessible, affordable and excellent care for the treatment of substance-use disorder and concurrent mental health. This collaboration will allow many residents of Interior Health to access life-saving and life-changing treatment, and we are truly grateful to be a part of this partnership.” Russell Purdy, executive director, Recovery Ranch – “As a person in long-term recovery and now fortunate to work in the field, it brings me hope for people struggling with the disease of addiction to have the opportunity to access detox and treatment in a time that it is desperately needed. The partnership between Interior Health and Edgewood Health Network is a great step in bridging the gap for those who want to get help.” Anonymous client – “It means a lot to me. I can access detox, while being close to family. I really did not want to leave home to get help and now I don’t have to.” Anonymous client – “Being able to come here could change my life. I don’t know what treatment will be like for me but having the option to go is something really special because I couldn’t afford it.” Learn More: Learn about A Pathway to Hope, our government’s vision for mental health and addictions care in B.C.: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2021MMHA0049-001787 Read original release from BC Gov News

People who rely on Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital (KBRH) in Trail are advised that the main entrance will be closed from 6 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 1 to 7 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 4 for minor remediation work to the concrete at this location. To allow for the construction, patients and visitors will temporarily be directed to the ambulance bay entrance at KBRH. Signage will be in place to direct people to this temporary alternate entrance. The emergency department entrance is not impacted by this work. Patients requiring care in the emergency department will continue to use the normal emergency department entrance. Interior Health thanks patients and visitor for their patience as ongoing improvements to the regional hospital continue.

Keremeos and area residents are advised of a temporary change to outpatient laboratory hours at the South Similkameen Health Centre beginning Monday, Sept. 26, 2022 due to limited staffing availability. The South Similkameen Health Centre will be offering blood collection services on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., closed from 12:30 p.m. to 1 p.m. Limited walk-in service is available. People can book an appointment online at www.labonlinebooking.ca or by calling the Digital Health Support Desk at 1‑844-870-4756. The call centre is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 pm. on weekends and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on statutory holidays.

New Denver and area residents are advised the emergency department at the Slocan Community Health Centre will not be open from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. on Sept. 17, 2022. The emergency department will resume regular hours on Sept. 18. Patients can access care at the 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 9-1-1 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.   Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC (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 New Denver is normally open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week.