Food services staff at Sechelt Hospital, Shorncliffe Care Centre, Totem Lodge and other VCH facilities have given their union a strike mandate in negotiations with Sodexo.

Writer believes Freedom of Information desperately needs reform. FOI requests are essential to revealing environmental harms and risks to public health and safety. Providence Health Care is mentioned.

Increasing land values and regulatory changes could put a squeeze on publicly funded assisted-living spaces. Last March, Retirement Concepts terminated its contract with VCH.

A new blend of drugs has shown up in the Downtown Eastside that resembles a mix of heroin and the extremely powerful psychedelic substance known as DMT. Article mentions that VCH was aware of the new drug last week, and has shared the information with people in contact/provide care or services for clients that use street drugs.

Jennifer Whiteside of the HEU argues that hospital cleaners and dietary workers deserve the same job security protection as other health care workers. Two years ago, VCH’s switch from Compass to Aramark for its cleaning contractors resulted in 900 workers being fired and forced to reapply for their jobs, says Whiteside.

Food services staff at VCH facilities have given their union a strike mandate in negotiations with the private contractor Sodexo.

Opioid crisis disproportionately affecting Indigenous people according to First Nations Health Authority. Metro Vancouver’s Aboriginal Executive Council wants VCH and other health authorities to co-fund the initiative.

One of the strongest proponent of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in B.C. said it’s redoubling efforts for the practice to gain wider acceptance within the current health-care system. Article mentions clinic at Raven Song Community Health Care Centre.

Writer believes hospital cleaners are denied job-security protection afforded to other health-care workers. Article mentions VCH’s change to Compass from Aramark cleaning services.

Western red cedar trees — B.C.’s official tree — cause serious lung problems for those who inhale their dust on the job. Article mentions VGH lab.