Media stories for December 18, 2012

Funding to women’s shelter cut
Global – News at Six
Some of the most vulnerable women on the Downtown Eastside are losing access to potentially life-saving services, as funding to the Rainier Hotel treatment facility are being cut. Jas Johal reports. Portland Hotel Society’s Mark Townsend is interviewed.

Women-only recovery experiment: Did it work or not?
The Tyee
Vancouver’s Rainier Hotel loses heart and soul of unique addictions treatment program. Story quotes VCH spokesperson Anna Marie D’Angelo and mentions the Vancouver Sun editorial written by VCH Executive Director Joanne Bezzubetz and Senior Medical Director Dr. Rolando Barrios.

Rainier non-clinical treatment services still in dispute
Vancouver Courier
Several weeks after learning that Vancouver Coastal Health would not pay for non-clinical services at the Rainier Hotel, the non-profit that runs the treatment centre is mounting its second public protest.The Portland Hotel Society is planning a Right to Recovery Walk on Tuesday, Dec. 18. Mark Townsend, director of the PHS, said they plan to walk with 40 coffins. VCH spokesperson Anna Marie D’Angelo is interviewed.

Investing in our future
Coast Reporter
In his regular column, Medical Health Officer Dr. Paul Martiquet’s column this week deals with early childhood investments that foster healthy children and adults.

Norovirus hits Squamish Hospital
Squamish Chief
On Thursday (Dec. 13), six patients and six hospital staff came down with flu-like symptoms. It was determined they had the virus commonly referred to as the winter vomiting bug. To stop its spread, the hospital put contamination measures in place, said Anna Marie D’Angelo, Vancouver Coastal Health spokesperson.

Case may make MDs reluctant to intervene
Vancouver Sun (Post Media News)
Critical-care doctors fear ruling may see them end extreme efforts to revive borderline patients.