Report wrongdoing

Island Health is committed to high standards of ethics and sound business practices that support legal and regulatory compliance.

Reports of known or suspected wrongdoing can be made by the general public and current or former employees. All reports of wrongdoing will be reviewed by a Designated Officer within Island Health’s Internal Audit department, and if the concern falls within the scope of the policy it will be investigated using timely, objective and impartial methods. 

Island Health does not tolerate any indirect or direct reprisal or harassment against a person who, in good faith, either reports a suspected violation, acts as a witness in an investigation, or carries out an investigation under these Policies.

Safe Reporting

Island Health's Safe Reporting Policy and Safe Reporting Procedure outline the steps for any person to be able to report wrongdoing by people associated with Island Health without fear of retaliation. 

Who can report? 

The general public including current employees and health professionals of a regulated profession under the Health Professions Act (RSBC 1996, c. 183) who are either: (a) receiving training at or through Island Health; or (b) providing services at or on behalf of Island Health.

What can be reported?

Concerns under Safe Reporting do not include issues related to care experienced by a patient or client. It is concerned with issues such as: 

  • illegal activity or non-compliance with any federal or provincial law or regulations
     
  • fraud or other unethical conduct
     
  • misuse or waste of public funds or resources
     
  • actions posing a threat or danger to patients and staff or the public
     
  • non-compliance with Island Health policies 
     
  • an actual or perceived conflict of interest
How to report?
  • Via confidential e-mail to: safereport@islandhealth.ca and write in the subject line: Island Health Safe Reporting / Private & Confidential
     
  • Mail a letter to: 

Safe Reporting Officer, Island Health Internal Audit Services
1952 Bay Street
Victoria BC
V8R 1J8

Mark the envelope: Island Health Safe Reporting / Private & Confidential

Exceptions to the Safe Reporting policy 

Safe Reporting does not cover matters for which there are other established processes for reporting and investigating alleged wrongdoing, including: 

  • Grievances under an existing collective agreement; 
     
  • Reporting of safety hazards and unsafe conditions made in accordance with the provisions of the WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulations; 
     
  • Misconduct related to behaviours identified in Island Health’s Human Resources policies, Respectful Workplace policy, and any other policies and procedures which would be dealt with through those internal mechanisms; 
     
  • Privacy breaches or unauthorized access to, collection, use or disclosure of personal information, which are to be addressed through the Information Stewardship and Access to Privacy Office; 
     
  • Patient safety or quality of care issues which are to be addressed by the Island Health Patient Care Quality Office and the Patient Care Quality Review Board;
     
  • Physician, Dentist, and Midwives’ matters which are to be addressed under the Medical Staff Bylaws, Rules and Island Health Medical Staff policies; 
     
  • Matters under the authority or jurisdiction of Human Rights and Ombudsperson legislation and processes; 
     
  • Litigation or other proceedings addressed through the Courts or other administrative bodies established by statute; and 
     
  • Matters to be addressed externally through professional regulatory bodies.

Questions? See our Safe Reporting Frequently Asked Questions.

Public Interest Disclosure Reporting

BC’s Public Interest Disclosure Act policy and procedure provides legal confidentiality and reprisal protections to current and former employees, including medical staff, who report serious or systemic wrongdoing within Island Health.

Who can report? 

Current, permanent, temporary, casual, part- or full-time employees, defined as:

  • Current employees (including health professionals of a regulated profession under the Health Professions Act (RSBC 1996, c. 183) who are either: (a) receive training at or through Island Health; or (b) provide services at or on behalf of Island Health.
     
  • Former employees (where the concern being reported took place while employed by Island Health).
What to report?

Concerns of serious or systemic wrongdoing, such as:

  • A serious act or omission that, if proven, would constitute an offence under the laws of B.C. or Canada; 
     
  • An act or omission that creates a substantial and specific danger to the life, health or safety of persons, or to the environment, other than a danger that is inherent in the performance of an employee’s duties or functions; 
     
  • A serious misuse of public funds or public assets;
     
  • Gross or systemic mismanagement; or
     
  • Knowingly directing or counselling a person to commit any of the wrongdoing described above.
How to report?
  • Send a confidential e-mail to pida@islandhealth.ca and write in the subject line: Island Health PIDA / Private & Confidential
     
  • Mail a letter to:

PIDA Officer, Island Health Internal Audit Services
1952 Bay Street 
Victoria, BC
V8R 1J8

Mark the envelope: Island Health PIDA Reporting / Private & Confidential

 Questions? See our Public Interest Disclosure Act Frequently Asked Questions