New provincial program for health emergency management

April 1, 2013 marked the first milestone in the transition of regional health emergency management programs into one integrated province-wide service under the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).

The new provincial program, Health Emergency Management British Columbia (HEMBC), will work towards creating a strong integrated health emergency management program that meets the needs of health services and programs across BC.

“I am quite excited about the potential for HEMBC to create a world-leading program for the health system in BC,” says John Lavery, Executive Director, HEMBC. “Building on the strengths of the various programs in each health authority and the skills and experience of our outstanding team, we will build on existing programs to provide an innovative, consistent, and integrated approach to health emergency management in BC.”

Health emergency management staff and budgets from regional health authorities will formally transfer to PHSA in the summer.

Maintaining relationships and working at the local level will be key for the success of the consolidated program. HEM staff in the various regions will continue to work closely with health authority staff and leadership.