“In fact, we believe a consolidation of the two programs could potentially streamline operations, create efficiencies and most importantly, result in shorter wait times and better service for patients.” Written by Mike Nader, chief operating officer of VCH’s Richmond Hospital.

The National Forum on Patient Experience was attended by 150 hospital and health-industry leaders looking at how improve patients’ experiences in the health care system.

The Portland Hotel Society is using a harm-reduction approach for chronic alcohol addiction. With mention of VCH’s safe injection sites for heroin.

Housing Minister Rich Coleman’s opinion of the PHS Community Services Society has changed over the years. With mention of VCH operating InSite in partnership with PHS.

Now a mental health advocate, Joshua Beharry was treated at VGH after jumping off of the Oak Street Bridge three years ago. With quotes from Dr. Soma Ganesan, head of psychiatry at VGH. Part of a series sponsored by the VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation.

The Portland Hotel Society is treating chronic alcohol addiction with a harm-reduction approach similar to treating heroin addiction.

“Relative to all other provinces, B.C. has for many years had a flourishing private surgery clinic industry even though, under federal and provincial laws, doctors are not supposed to direct-bill patients and clinics are not supposed to collect ‘facility fees.’” With mention of the plaintiff in a lawsuit being treated at VGH.

“Currently, B.C. has about 100 public labs (mainly hospital-based), and 130 private facilities, most of them in the Lower Mainland and on Vancouver Island. In theory, all of the analysis done at private sites in these two regions could be handled by one or two centralized laboratories.”

At least five Canadian children have been treated with a drug regimen that may be a cure for HIV infection in infants. With quotes from Dr. Julio Montaner, director of the B.C. Centre for Excellence in HIV-AIDS.

A new plan to redevelop the Downtown Eastside is getting criticized for lacking housing for low-income people. With mention of a VCH-owned building being painted out of protest.