Media stories for November 8, 2012

Flu shots should be mandatory for health care workers
Vancouver Sun – Editorial (also carried by Montreal Gazette)
At issue is whether health care workers who are in contact with patients should be required to get flu shots. Off the top, it sounds like a no-brainer, but apparently a majority of doctors in this country consider it unnecessary and only in a few Canadian jurisdictions is it being proposed by health authorities as a requirement.

Family doctor shortage to worsen
Powell River Peak
Finding a family doctor continues to be a problem for Powell River residents. With more doctors retiring or leaving or just having difficulty finding a long-term replacement for their practice, the problem may deteriorate before it recovers. Dr. Richard Lupton, co-senior medical director for Vancouver Coastal Heath-Coastal, is quoted.

North Shore leads BC in fall injuries
North Shore Outlook
According to Vancouver Coastal Health, the North Shore suffers the province’s highest rate of hospitalization from falls, both at home and recreation related. LGH emergency physician Dr. Sam Gutman is quoted.

When to retire from driving
Coast Reporter – Column
This week, VCH medical health officer Dr. Paul Martiquet talks about aging and how it affects a person’s ability to drive.

Pique’s Alison Taylor wins top BC journalism award
Whistler Pique
Feature on the Whistler Health Care Centre leads to Jack Webster award for veteran reporter.