Media stories for November 2, 2012

Vancouver’s Rainier Hotel will continue to be served
Vancouver Sun Online – Op/Ed
In a guest submission from Joanne Bezzubetz and Dr. Rolando Barrios, VCH contends that women suffering from addiction will be able to get treatment in Downtown Eastside despite funding concerns.

MS progression is not just a one-way street
Globe and Mail
Researchers at UBC and Vancouver Coastal Health Research Institute discovered that up to a quarter of patients with primary progressive MS, a more severe form of the disease, also improved in the short term. Dr. Helen Tremlett is quoted.

Thousands live with disfigured bodies, play waiting game for treatment
Post Media News (carried by the Vancouver Sun)
Breast reconstruction after a mastectomy. Vancouver plastic surgeon Dr. Nancy Van Laeken says her patients wait at least one to two years for a consultation and another two to three years for surgery.

Flu clinics open in Richmond, despite vaccine halt
Richmond News
With the flu season fast approaching, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) was this week encouraging people to “make prevention contagious” by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.

Hospital tab comes as $600K surprise
Coast Reporter
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) has hit local governments with an unexpected tab for $600,000 towards the renovation of the mental health unit at St. Mary’s Hospital. VCH regional project planning director Johan Marais’s submission to the Sunshine Coast Regional Hospital District is referenced.

Healthy living: Eating on $26 a week
Alberni Valley News
Ted Bruce, executive director of population health with Vancouver Coastal Health, participated in the “Raise the Rates” challenge. Bruce said research shows that stress and lack of control contribute to chronic disease in people living in poverty.