LETTER: 70-yr-old patient to sleep in car to get medical care
Dear Editor, I’m writing this because I am just livid.My neighbour is 70 years old. She has suffered a stroke, has had two heart attacks, and multiple surgeries on her pancreas. She is not in good health, to say the least. Doesn't stop her though, she was out shoveling snow yesterday! She is leaving tomorrow for surgery on ...
Tests indicate Kelowna patient does NOT have Ebola virus
The Ministry of Health and Interior Health are confirming that preliminary testing on a health-care worker returning from West Africa has come back negative for Ebola virus disease (EVD). In keeping with provincial protocols, public health officials have asked the patient to remain within two hours of a designated type two facility – in this […]
Interior Health review of Lemon Creek spill reveals gaps in response, recommendations for improvement
Interior Health (IH) has sifted through the details of its response to the 2013 Lemon Creek fuel spill in the Slocan Valley, and determined that responses to future incidents like this need to be faster and better coordinated. The spill happened on July 26, 2013 when a truck delivering jet fuel for helicopters fighting a […]
Nelson's Ross Steed turns to fundraising to help in his fight against chronic Lyme disease
The family of a 55-year-old Nelson man has taken to a fundraising website to raise money to help in the fight against chronic Lyme disease. For the past five years, Ross Steed has endured a level of pain and discomfort on a day-to-day basis that is beyond what most people could ever imagine. However, chronic Lyme disease is...
Interior Health launches new campaign to promote HIV testing
Interior Health launched a new campaign Monday to encourage all adults in the region to get tested for HIV. The “My Health Is Sexy” campaign uses intimate images to convey the message that knowing your HIV status is an important part of a healthy sex life and a good relationship. Campaign materials include a website, as well...
RDCK joins new wood stove exchange
The Regional Distict of Central Kootenay is joining forces with the province to encourage residents to replace their old wood stoves with cleaner burning models. The RDCK is collaborating with local municipalities to help residents burn better through the Wood Stove Exchange Rebate Program. “The RDCK is one of 13 regions across BC […]
Interior Health considers contracting out dirty laundry; 16 FTE's could be lost at KLH
Interior Health announced Wednesday a decision to explore options in regards to the future services in the 11 laundry sites — including Kootenay Lake Hospital — due to higher costs and aging infrastructure. No decisions have been made at this time, but IH said they have started the process that included informing Hospital...
New website helps navigate the child and youth mental health care landscape in Kootenay-Boundary
The new KB Searchlight website for the Kootenay Boundary (KB) region is the first local web resource to link all child and youth mental health care services in one place. Opening with a welcoming illustrated map of the region, site visitors can click to find the most appropriate local services, resources and apps for a range...
IH says there's an outbreak of whooping cough in Nelson area
Interior Health is reporting that there's an outbreak of whooping cough in Nelson, with approximately 40 people diagnosed in the past four months. Whooping cough, also called pertussis, is a bacterial lung infection that poses a serious risk to babies. Adults can show much milder symptoms, which can help the spread. IH medical...
Dam Safety Review holds no surprises but highlights risks
There were no surprises from the HB Mine site Dam Safety Review but there are definitely concerns to be addressed, loss of life being one of them. “We’re well positioned to be in compliance,” said the RDCK’s resources recovery manager Mike Morrison. The RDCK acquired HB’s tailings pond when it bought the Salmo property in […]
