Now is the best time to get your influenza and COVID-19 immunizations to provide protection as we head into the holiday season and gather with loved ones.
As part of our commitment to providing safe, culturally appropriate care that is free of racism and discrimination for all patients, Island Health is implementing a voluntary Indigenous-self identification program (ISI) at all care facilities where patients are registered to receive services.
People in Port Alberni and surrounding communities can now access the emergency health services they need in the newly expanded emergency department at West Coast General Hospital.
More people will get the surgical procedures they need, as the focused efforts and enhanced recruitment initiatives Island Health committed to in the summer will enable operating rooms to reopen at Victoria General Hospital and Royal Jubilee Hospital in November.
Island Health patients and staff now have access to 240 languages in a matter of seconds with a new on-demand audio and video remote interpreting service. Patients and providers can connect to a live, medically trained interpreter around the clock, ensuring no health information is lost in translation.
More people in Nanaimo and surrounding communities will have access to long-term care as Island Health prepares to build a new care home with more than 300 beds.
Island Health is introducing three Care and Connection Kiosks at hospitals in Campbell River, Nanaimo and Victoria offering community members an innovative way to access free, life-saving, harm reduction supplies and information about mental health and substance use services, supports and treatment.
For the second year, Island Health is allocating up to $1 million for resilience and safety grants aimed at helping improve mental health, mitigate the harms associated with illicit substance use and build youth resilience.