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People in Kamloops and across the Thompson Cariboo Shuswap region are invited to an open house at the Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Tower at Royal Inland Hospital on Saturday, June 25 from 1 to 4 p.m. Interior Health is hosting the open house to allow the community to view Kamloops’ new hospital tower, before it opens to patients on July 18. The event is being organized in collaboration with the RIH Foundation. People are invited to drop in throughout the afternoon and tour the building, entering through the new main entrance of the Gaglardi Tower located across from the public parkade. Parking will be free at RIH that day while wayfinding signage and volunteer guides will be posted to direct visitors. “The new tower is set to open and our government is proud to support this vital project for people in Kamloops and area,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “I encourage people to stop by Saturday and see the new tower, which will provide public health-care services for decades to come.” “We are proud to usher in this new era for Royal Inland Hospital by showcasing the Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Tower to the people who will rely on it,” said IH vice president, clinical operations north Diane Shendruk. “While there is no question these are challenging times for Kamloops health care, it’s also clear that this state-of-the-art tower is a facility that Kamloops residents, people across the region and local health-care professionals need and deserve.” The Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Tower is a nine-storey hospital tower designed from a patient-centred and Elder-friendly perspective to provide a comfortable healing environment for patient treatment and recovery. Designed with extensive input from hospital staff and physicians, enhanced care spaces include single-patient rooms, each with their own washroom, as well as new operating rooms, mental health and substance use spaces, new labour and delivery rooms, a neurosciences and trauma unit, a rooftop helipad and more. Local Indigenous communities have been engaged on design elements including a cultural mural, representing the traditional territory of the Tk’emlúps te Secwépemc along with the other Nations that rely on RIH, including the Métis, Tsilhqot’in, Dãkelh Dené, Nlaka’pamux, Northern St’at’imc and Syilx Nations. Smudging ceremonies will be able to be hosted in patient rooms throughout the Gaglardi Tower. “We are getting so close to being able to open up the Phil & Jennie Gaglardi Tower and provide enhanced care spaces to the public and improved working conditions for staff and physicians,” said executive director of clinical operations at RIH Tracey Rannie. “We are excited to show off this new tower to the community, so they can see the culmination of the years of hard work on this important health-care project.“ A reminder that the Gaglardi Tower is a health-care facility and masks will be required to attend the open house.

Interior Health is celebrating a significant milestone in the provision of medical care in the North Okanagan, as this year marks the 125th anniversary of Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH). In 1897, the original “Cottage Hospital” opened in a house on 28th Avenue and health-care teams have provided treatment and care for people throughout the region ever since. “Vernon Jubilee Hospital has been home to amazing health-care workers that have provided public health-care to generations of families in the community and the area,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “I wish everyone involved with VJH a happy 125th anniversary and look forward to the years and decades ahead.” “I am so proud to have a background of 17 years of nursing and to have worked alongside the amazing team at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. I have seen first-hand how VJH staff go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and families, even in the face of challenges. Every day I bring this perspective to my role as MLA, and work to strengthen our health-care system for British Columbians. I wish everyone a very happy 125th anniversary of VJH and thank you for all that you do,” says Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “A great deal has changed over the past 125 years, for both Vernon Jubilee Hospital and for health care itself. What remains constant is the dedication to quality care demonstrated every day by the physicians and staff at VJH. They are exemplary, and we celebrate this momentous anniversary alongside them,” says Susan Brown, Interior Health’s President and CEO. The Cottage Hospital opened with just four staff according to accounts in A Century of Caring 1897-1997: The Story of Vernon Jubilee Hospital and of Men and Women Who Have Made Its History by Daphne Thuillier and in Vernon News articles. A Hospital Society spearheaded the purchase of the house for $2,000. The hospital moved to its current location at 2101 32nd St. in 1909 on land donated by Samuel Polson, on the traditional unceded territory of the Syilx people. That facility included an operating room, hot water heating and telephone service. X-ray service was added in 1912, and a laboratory was added in 1938. Over the years, the hospital expanded its footprint and services – the North Tower opened in 1949; the Centennial Wing was added in 1968; the Polson Extended Care Annex opened in 1982; and the South Tower followed in 1983. In 2011, the Polson Tower opened with expanded ambulatory care and outpatient clinics, new ambulance space, a new maternity and pediatrics unit with direct links to operating rooms, and new intensive care and coronary care units. In 2016, medical inpatient units were added on the sixth and seventh floors, and in 2019 came a fifth operating room and new MRI. Today, nearly 1,700 staff and physicians work at VJH, serving a population of about 93,720 people including First Nations communities and Métis peoples. “Vernon Jubilee has a long, proud history – it is the heart of the community,” says Richard Harding, executive director for clinical operations in Interior Health’s North Okanagan. “I’m especially proud of the health-care teams who provide such excellent care. The last two years of the pandemic have been challenging, but every day they gave – and continue to give – their best to patients and their families. We know from the messages we’ve received how much people are grateful for the care they’ve received from our staff and physicians.” Harding also expressed gratitude to the community for its ongoing support of the hospital. Interior Health continues to plan for expansion of services in the North Okanagan, and he said the cooperation of the community, including the VJH Foundation and North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District, has been vital to that work. “Teamwork and collaboration is the key to our success,” Harding said. “We look forward to continuing to work with all our partners, including physicians and staff, the Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice, Aboriginal partners, contracted service partners and local government partners, to provide high-quality health care to everyone in the North Okanagan region.”

Interior Health is adding new evening and weekend vaccine clinics to provide easy access for parents to get their kids vaccinated against COVID-19. “Vaccines for children are safe and effective and I encourage all families to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Dr. Carol Fenton, medical health officer with Interior Health. “Our vaccine rates for children are lower than we’d like to see in some areas. Getting vaccinated now will help protect your children throughout summer activities.” Parents and/or guardians can book an appointment for children aged 5-11 by registering online at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-833-838-2323. Once registered, an invitation to book an appointment will be sent. The new evening and weekend clinics are: Kelowna: Age 5-11 Only – Community Health & Services Centre Saturday, June 18: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Nelson: Age 5-11 Only – Nelson Health Centre Monday, June 27: 3:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday, July 4: 3:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. Vernon: Age 5-11 Only – Vernon Health Unit Thursday, June 30: 3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. Thursday, July 7: 3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. Penticton: Age 5-11 Only – Penticton Health Centre Wednesday, June 22: 2:50 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. Revelstoke: All Ages – Queen Victoria Hospital Saturday, June 25: 9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. In addition to these clinics, Interior Health has ongoing vaccine clinics in communities throughout the region. Dates and locations for clinics for 5-11 year olds are available online and pharmacies have appointments for people 12 and older. When booking an appointment, people will be able to choose from a list of locations with available appointments. People 12 and older can book an appointment for their first, second and booster dose at a clinic near them. Booster doses are available once it has been six months after the second dose and people will be invited to book their appointment. Second booster doses are available for people who are 70+ or Indigenous people 55+ and they will be invited to book an appointment after it has been six months since their first booster dose. For more information about COVID-19, such as immunization, where to find rapid antigen tests, and information for visitors to a health-care facility or long-term care, please visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/disease-outbreaks/covid-19

Due to limited physician availability, residents of the 100 Mile House area are advised that the Emergency Department at 100 Mile District General Hospital will be closed from: 7 p.m. on June 15 until 8 a.m. on June 16 Residents are advised of the following when the emergency department is closed: In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Visit the emergency department at one of the following facilities: Cariboo Memorial Hospital –  517 North, 6 Ave N, Williams Lake Royal Inland Hospital – 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24-hour service) if you are unsure of your need to seek emergency care. Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations in 100 Mile House. All efforts were made to fill this shift and active recruitment for additional physicians to support emergency department services in 100 Mile is ongoing.

The inaugural cohort of the NAVIG8 Emerging Medical Leaders Program at Interior Health has graduated. These 26 participants completed a two-year, one-of-a-kind program that equips medical staff (physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners and dentists) with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to become the next generation of medical leaders in Interior Health. “Interior Health is paving the way in medical leadership training in B.C. and across Canada,” said president and CEO Susan Brown. “NAVIG8 aims to build a community of medical leaders who are partners in continuously improving care and creating and sustaining change in health care. I am thrilled Interior Health has people with a genuine connection to their work and a career that aligns with who they are.” This medical leadership training program is part of Interior Health’s continuous work in medical staff engagement. The idea originated from a late-night brainstorm and notes on a napkin. From there, it grew into a comprehensive leadership development program. “Our NAVIG8 program is an innovative approach to mentoring the next generation of medical leaders at Interior Health,” said Dr. Mike Ertel, vice president medicine and quality. “I have been privileged to speak with each participant in post-session calls and in these conversations, I heard timely and valuable feedback about what was working well and what can be improved. This has been instrumental in shaping the success of the program.” NAVIG8 is designed for medical staff who aspire to, or currently occupy, formal administrative leadership positions in Interior Health and who wish to supplement their medical background with applied operational skills. The program format includes experiential learning projects, a mentorship partnership, and in-person and virtual learning sessions. “Participants learn operational and administrative skills; receive mentorship from medical and administrative leaders; develop a deeper awareness of their own leadership strengths and opportunities; and gain deeper insights into how to engage, inspire, and motivate teams,” said Harsh Hundal, executive medical director, physician engagement and resource planning. Through faculty presentations, case studies, group discussions, workshops, and individual exercises, participants examine the distinctive characteristics that define successful leaders. The curriculum balances thought-provoking analysis and dialogue with self-reflection and personal development. The aim of the program is to build a community of medical leaders who can be effective partners in continuously improving care. NAVIG8 is the only health authority-based medical leadership program in Canada recognized by the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders as a pathway to certification as a physician executive. This unique two-year medical leadership training program has garnered significant interest from other health authorities and provincial organizations. Now in its third year, with the second cohort consisting of physicians, a midwife, and an oral surgeon, NAVIG8 has had a significant impact on program participants. “There is no question in my mind that the program is helping to transform me into a more confident and thoughtful leader. Networking with a group of my peers early on in the program was invaluable. I’m learning as much from my peers as from the speakers,” said a NAVIG8 participant. At the inaugural NAVIG8 graduation event, held April 21 in Kelowna, participants had the opportunity to hear presentations, view project posters, and connect in person. NAVIG8 Cohort 2 began fall 2021 and will graduate summer 2023. Watch a video about the NAVIG8 Emerging Medical Leaders Program

Clearwater and area residents are advised of a temporary change to the emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital this weekend due to unforeseen limited staffing availability. The emergency department will be closed:  5 p.m. Friday, June 3 to 7 a.m. Saturday, June 4 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4 to 7 a.m. Sunday, June 5 Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations and reminds residents to take note of the following if they require care while the emergency department is closed: In the event of an emergency, call 911. Visit the emergency department at one of the following facilities: Royal Inland Hospital – 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24 hour service) if you are unsure of your need to seek emergency care. The emergency department in Clearwater is normally open 24/7.

Residents of the 100 Mile House area are advised that the Emergency Department at 100 Mile District General Hospital will be closed from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 3 due to unforeseen limited physician availability. Residents are advised of the following when the emergency department is closed: In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Visit the emergency department at one of the following facilities: Cariboo Memorial Hospital –  517 North, 6 Ave N, Williams Lake Royal Inland Hospital – 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24-hour service) if you are unsure of your need to seek emergency care. Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations in 100 Mile House. Emergency department services in 100 Mile will resume at 8 p.m. on June 3.

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 crisis,” said Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Sheila Malcolmson. The Toxic Drug Alerts system uses text messaging to send alerts as a public health measure to prevent drug poisonings and deaths, and provides timely information and up-to-date resources to people who use drugs and community members. “We are thrilled to have this new tool available in the Interior to support people and to get information out immediately to those who need it most,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown. “As the number of lives lost continues to grow, we are focused on removing barriers to supports, and implementing new strategies to prevent drug poisonings and deaths and mitigate harm from the toxic drug supply.” People who use drugs, those who support them, and community members are encouraged to opt-in for toxic drug alerts by sending the keyword JOIN to ALERTS (253787). They will receive toxic drug and drug poisoning alerts and, in the future, public health alerts, such as COVID-19 related information. “Timely and targeted information regarding the current drug supply is vital when we are seeing the toxicity of illicit drugs increase at an alarming rate. Alerts will help people make better informed decisions and ultimately help reduce harms, including overdose and death, from poisoned drugs,” said Jessica Bridgeman, Interior Health sexual health and harm reduction manager. To further help keep communities safe, subscribers can anonymously submit information relating to toxic drugs or drug poisonings via text using the keyword OD. “The priority is to get people access to safe supply, but while we’re waiting, toxic drug alerts will be really helpful in letting us know what is going around in our communities, and can help people make harm reduction decisions for themselves,” said Sara Young, manager of Harm Reduction at BC Centre for Disease Control. Drug alerts play an important role in empowering people who use drugs to do so more safely. “I have been so glad that I have been getting the drug alerts in my area and surrounding areas because anything that is in the surrounding areas is going to make it here eventually,” said one person with lived experience who was involved in developing the new system. “I used this information to prepare myself for any toxic drugs that could be coming our way by doing smaller testers, trying to get samples into the drug testers, asking my peers what they think and informing my peers of the drug alerts. It helped a lot when there were photos in colour. The description was also helpful.” Interior Health is the first health authority to be launching the new system which is developed by the BC Centre for Disease Control and the Office of Virtual Health at the Provincial Health Services Authority in partnership with regional health authorities. The alert system is expected to expand to additional health authorities summer 2022. To learn more, visit towardtheheart.com.

Clearwater and area residents are advised of a temporary change to the emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital tonight due to unforeseen limited staffing availability. The emergency department will be closed: 5 p.m. Wednesday, May 25 to 7 a.m. Thursday, May 26 Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations and reminds residents to take note of the following if they require care while the emergency department is closed: In the event of an emergency, call 911. Visit the emergency department at one of the following facilities: Royal Inland Hospital – 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24 hour service) if you are unsure of your need to seek emergency care. The emergency department in Clearwater is normally open 24/7.