VGH has started having on-site radiologists available 24-7 – the first service of its kind in Canada. With a quote from Dr. Savas Nicolaou, head of the Division of Emergency/Trauma Radiology.

The mass distribution of 65,000 crack cocaine smoking kits in the Downtown Eastside did not trigger more drug activity but reduced burns to crack smokers and decreased the reliance on used smoking equipment. With quotes from Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical officer for VCH.

“If a society is judged by how its cares for its most vulnerable, we are basically faced with a test of what we are willing to try to help the most beleaguered. Consider the heroin addict.” With a quote from Dr. Patricia Daly, chief medical officer for VCH and with mention of VCH’s InSite facility.

The International Centre for Science in Drug Policy reported this week the war on illegal drugs has failed, with worldwide illegal drugs supplies cheaper and purer now than 20 years ago. With quotes from Dr. Evan Wood, Chair of the International Centre for Science in Drug Policy and Canada Research Chair in Inner City Medicine at UBC.

“We have all experienced a moment when a song or piece of music has brought us right back to a moment, almost reliving it. This very powerful effect is at the centre of using music as part of therapy.” Written by Dr. Paul Martiquet, a medical health officer for VCH.

A former user at VCH’s InSite facility spoke in Saskatoon about his experiences.

The Manitoba HIV Program plans to lobby the provincial government for more funding to save both lives and money. With quotes from Dr. Julio Montaner, director of the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV/AIDS.

Mount Saint Joseph Hospital is launching a meal plan to cater to its Chinese long-term residents and staff.

Lower Mainland hospital workers have now reached new tentative agreements with private firms that perform housekeeping for health authorities, including VCH.

The Hospital Employees’ Union has reached a tentative deal with a company that employs nearly 1,300 hospital cleaning staff working in VCH and Fraser Health hospitals and extended care facilities.