March 1, 2013
VGH plans for future SARS epidemic
Global BC (video clip)
Vancouver General Hospital is taking specific measures to prevent any future SARS outbreaks.
Hospital that discharged rampage suspect releases recommendations
CTV News
St. Paul’s Hospital releases recommendations from internal review of operating procedures.
St. Paul’s Hospital makes changes after stabbings
The Province
St. Paul’s Hospital is adding staff to its emergency and psychiatric departments after completing review into a former patient who allegedly stabbed three women.
St. Paul’s Hospital defends record after three discharged psychiatric patients arrested for violence
Vancouver Sun
St. Paul’s Hospital is defending its record for treating psychiatric cases after conducting an internal review.
B.C. expands program to help seniors stay in their homes with customized care
Vancouver Sun (Also appeared in Winnipeg Free Press, Huffington Post, The Tyee and Yahoo! News)
The B.C. government is expanding VCH’s Home is Best program to all five health authorities.
Ondine Announces VGH team Wins BC Quality Award for SSI Reduction Results Using Photodisinfection
Digital Journal
VGH team wins BC Quality Award for innovative photo disinfection project.
February 28, 2013
Health of Richmond residents ‘very good,’ survey says
Richmond Review
VCH recently drafted a report, showing that the health of Richmond residents is good. With quotes from Dr. James Lu, Richmond medical health officer.
Survey says: Richmondites must eat more fruit, exercise more often
Richmond News
A report from VCH says that Richmond men need to eat more fruits and vegetables. With quotes from Dr. James Lu, Richmond medical health officer.
Vancouver’s Bosman residents face homelessness again
Globe and Mail
A federally funded program is going to end on March 31, creating uncertainty for the future of about 100 program participants. VCH and BC Housing are working to see which residents can move into existing social housing.
Bureaucracy inaction; lives at risk
Pique Magazine – Opinion
VCH must take responsibility and find a solution to allow single-engine helicopters to land at the Whistler Health Care Centre.
Whistler SAR report highlights need for improved heli-pad access
Whistler Question
Whistler Search and Rescue report says heli-pad access needs to be improved.
Premature baby born unexpectedly at the Bella Coola Hospital doing well
Coast Mountain News
A two-pound baby boy is born prematurely in Bella Coola Hospital.
Staff at Mount St. Joseph’s earn kudos for professionalism
Vancouver Sun – Letter to Editor
In response to an article about unhygienic conditions at MountSt. Joseph, a reader sent a letter praising the hospital.
Health-care funding promises ignore reality
Times Colonist – Comment
The Health Minister’s promise for extra funding comes with unrealistic expectations for the health care system.
10-year contract too big a step
Times Colonist – Editorial
Labour negotiations between nurses and the government should be planned for the short-term and not the long-term.
February 27, 2013
B.C. premier says 10-year contract with nurses would bring labour peace
GlobalBC
Christy Clark says the government is in talks with the nurses’ union for a 10-year contract.
Time for B.C. Liberals to run out the clock
Vancouver Sun – Column
The current Liberal government should not be making significant, long-term healthcare deals just before an election – especially without any consultation with the health authorities.
No more front-yard fireworks in Vancouver as council agrees with proposal to restrict Halloween tradition
The Province
Vancouver city council has approved a proposal to restrict private use of fireworks on Halloween. The article says VCH reported an increase in burn-related injuries on October 31.
Tax help available for those in need
Coast Reporter
VCH and the Canadian Revenue Agency are teaming up to offer a free income tax program to low-income individuals, seniors and families.
B.C. recruits record number of doctors in 2012 from Canada, around the world
Vancouver Sun
In 2012, B.C. recruited a record number of 268 doctors from around the world.
February 26, 2013
Regional health authorities criticize province for seeking 10-year deal with nurses
Vancouver Sun
B.C.’s health authorities, including VCH, have expressed concern over the provincial government’s efforts to secure a 10-year deal with the province’s nurses.
St Paul’s Hospital calls for architect proposals
Xtra!
The redevelopment of St. Paul’s Hospital is moving forward with calls for architectural proposals for the project.
Doctors Flocking to Kelowna
AM 1150
The government says it recruited a record number of physicians in B.C. last year, primarily in rural areas. VCH received 34 new doctors.
February 25, 2013
Wasted Tax Dollars: B.C. health spending under fire
The Province
The B.C. health-care system is misspending tax dollars.
North American experts on the risks and benefits of Fallopian tube removal for ovarian cancer prevention (Part 2 in series)
Vancouver Sun
The second in a series on a new ovarian cancer treatment, this article evaluates the risks and benefits of the new procedure by speaking to a number of experts. With quotes from a nurse at VCH’s Lions Gate Hospital.
Waiting times for MRIs in B.C. are unacceptable
Vancouver Sun – Letter from Doctor
In response to an article on radiology, the head of radiology at the BC Medical Association wrote a letter saying that the biggest issue is having more access to MRIs as opposed to choosing appropriate imaging.
Waiting times for MRIs in B.C. are unacceptable
Vancouver Sun – Letter from Patient
A reader who is waiting for an MRI wrote a letter about her frustrations with long wait times for the scan.
Conditions during my hospital stays horrified me
Vancouver Sun
A former patient wrote a letter about her bad experiences while staying in two Vancouver hospitals.