July 12, 2013
Measles outbreak prompts warning in Whistler and Pemberton
Vancouver Sun (also CTV, Global, News 1130, CKNW and Canadian Press)
Four cases of measles have been identified in Whistler and Pemberton and VCH is encouraging everyone to ensure they are vaccinated.
It’s time to reconsider private drug plans for public employees
Vancouver Sun
Public employees should be enrolled in a Fair PharmaCare plan that matches their existing drug plan to save funds.
Pacific Carbon Trust’s growing surplus approaches $30 million, fuelling calls for its elimination
Vancouver Sun
The Pacific Carbon Trust’s growing surplus is expected to climb to more than $30 million, further fuelling calls from critics to shut down the controversial Crown corporation.
July 11, 2013
Port Metro Vancouver responds to city council ban on coal transfers and shipments
Vancouver Sun
Port Metro Vancouver has released a statement regarding the city council’s recent ban on the handling, storage and trans-shipment of coal at its marine terminals and berths.
Kendall joins call for health impact study on new coal exports
Surrey Leader
Provincial Health Officer Dr. Perry Kendall has become involved in the debate on increased coal exports through Metro Vancouver.
The My Health, My Community Survey
The Chief
The My Health, My Community survey will help improve future community programs and services that are more relevant to health and wellness needs. Written by Dr. Paul Martiquet, a medical health officer for VCH.
Health survey to shape future programs and services
Bowen Island Undercurrent
It is crucial that many Bowen Islanders fill out the VCH survey to get the information needed to determine if a primary and urgent clinic on Bowen is a necessary and sustainable community service.
Community health survey aims to take the pulse of British Columbians
Vancouver Sun
VCH and Fraser Health have launched the My Health My Community survey to help replace information no longer received from Statistics Canada. Quotes by Dr. Jat Sandhu, regional director of public health surveillance at Vancouver Coastal Health.
Alzheimer’s May Protect From Cancer And Vice Versa
Medical News Today
Patients with Alzheimer’s disease have a lower risk of developing cancer, while seniors with cancer have lower rates of Alzheimer’s disease compared to cancer-free people of the same age. With mention of a VCH study on the correlation between MS and cancer.
July 10, 2013
Vancouver City Council approves symbolic ban on coal shipping and storage within city limits
Vancouver Sun (also appeared in The Province)
On Tuesday night, Vancouver city council voted to ban the handling, storage and trans-shipment of coal at its marine terminals and berths. With mention of Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical officer for VCH.
Prescription for a failed drug policy
Coast Reporter – Column
Drug policies in Canada need to be review and updated. Written by Dr. Paul Martiquet, a medical health officer for VCH.
Vancouver musician dodges death to soar on YouTube
Vancouver Sun (video)
A local musician whose life was saved at VGH, is now famous on YouTube. With mention of Dr. Andrzej Buczkowski, a doctor at VGH.
Power outage traps two Vancouver General Hospital patients in elevator
Vancouver Sun
A 25-minute power outage at VGH on Tuesday afternoon resulted in two patients trapped in elevators at VGH.
Pioneering B.C. hospital funding body to be phased out
Globe and Mail
The B.C. government is phasing out the Health Services Purchasing Organization.
Torontoist vs. Torontoist in… Supervised Injection Sites
Torontoist
A Toronto Public Health report recommends the city council request for funding for pilot supervised injection clinics. With mention of VCH’s Insite facility.
July 9, 2013
Vancouver Coastal Health stressing importance of vaccines
News 1130
VCH is concerned over a declining trend of fewer kindergartners getting vaccinated. With quotes from Dr. Meena Dawar, a medical health officer for VCH.
Officials fill a need for native traditional healing rituals at St. Paul’s
The B.C. Catholic
St. Paul’s Hospital is opening a space for traditional Aboriginal healing. With quotes from Scott Harrison, program director of Urban Health at PHC.
Risks of cycling, walking and driving put in context
Vancouver Sun – Opinion
Open and constructive discussion is needed around cycling issues. One of the co-authors is Dr. John Carsley, a medical health officer with VCH.
July 8, 2013
Newborn hotline cut worries Vancouver mom
CBC (also appeared in the Huffington Post)
Some Vancouver parents want VCH to keep a newborn hotline running. With quotes from Anna Marie D’Angelo, spokesperson for VCH.
Staff cuts won’t reduce service levels: VCH
Coast Reporter
VCH says reductions in mental health staff on the Sunshine Coast will not result in a drop in service levels. With quotes from Gavin Wilson, spokesperson for VCH.
Art therapy program cuts endanger mental health, say patients
CBC (also appeared in the Huffington Post)
Participants in a VCH art therapy program for people with mental illness are fighting to keep the 21-year-old program alive.
IPIC award
CKNW (In Audio Vault at July 5, 5 pm, and click on time bar and drag to 16:13)
VGH has won an award for innovation for fighting infections. With quotes from Dr. Titus Wong, a doctor at VGH.
Hearing test technology
Global News
VGH recently purchased technology to help people with special needs hear again. With quotes from Dr. Li Qi, a VGH audiologist.
A shout out to the people who save lives every day
Vancouver Sun – Opinion
“Words cannot express” the gratitude of a wife whose husband’s life was saved by the VGH emergency team.
Local women speak out against transvaginal mesh
Northeast News
Women in Fort St. John are speaking out against an implant used to treat stress urinary incontinence. With quotes from Dr. Daniel Rappaport, a doctor at Richmond and UBC hospitals.