July 23, 2008 - NURSE PRACTITIONERS EXPAND HEALTH-CARE DELIVERY OPTIONS
VICTORIA – For the first time in the history of health-care in British Columbia, the province has 100 nurse practitioners, announced Health Services Minister George Abbott. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
July 21, 2008 - SUMMERLAND DOCTORS GET ELECTRONIC MEDICAL RECORDS
SUMMERLAND – Health Services Minister George Abbott and Okanagan-Westside MLA Rick Thorpe got a first-hand demonstration today of how technology is modernizing the delivery of health care for six Rosedale family doctors who are among the first in the province to use government-approved electronic medical record systems. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
July 21, 2008 - PATIENTS, DOCTORS BENEFIT FROM ONLINE MEDICAL RECORDS
PENTICTON – Doctors in Penticton are among the first in British Columbia to receive computer hardware and software as part of the Province’s electronic medical record project, which is rolling out across B.C.. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
July 18, 2008 - GREEN LIGHT FOR CANCER CENTRE FOR THE NORTH
PRINCE GEORGE – The Province has formally approved funding for the Northern Cancer Control Strategy, which includes the construction of a new 4,200-square-metre cancer centre in Prince George. [News Release]
July 9, 2008 - FURTHER SUPPORT FOR INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES
VICTORIA – Government is working with internationally educated medical graduates to find ways to make the best use of their medical training and skills within the provincial health-care system, said Health Services Minister George Abbott. [News Release]
July 3, 2008 - EXPANDED SCREENING TO IMPROVE HEALTH OF B.C. BABIES
VANCOUVER – Newborn babies in British Columbia will now be screened for more than three times as many disorders at birth that can be treated to avoid lifelong health issues, Premier Gordon Campbell announced. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
June 25 , 2008 - B.C. FUNDS INTERNATIONAL NURSE ASSESSMENT SERVICE
VICTORIA – Kwantlen University College, soon to become Kwantlen Polytechnic University, has been selected as the delivery site for a new provincial internationally educated nurse assessment service that will help ease the entry of internationally educated registered nurses into the B.C. workforce, Health Services Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release]
June 24 , 2008 - VCH STOCKS VENDING MACHINES WITH HEALTHIER CHOICES
VANCOUVER – Sugary soft drinks and candy bars are ‘out,’ and fruit juice and
wholesome snacks are ‘in’ when it comes to vending machines across BC’s biggest health
authority. [News Release]
June 24 , 2008 - HEALTH NETWORKS BENEFIT FOUR ISLAND COMMUNITIES
VICTORIA – Three new integrated health networks will provide physicians, caregivers and patients in Sooke, Port Alberni and Oceanside (Parksville/Qualicum) with improved access to services. [News Release]
June 24 , 2008 - HEALTH NETWORKS BENEFIT THREE ISLAND COMMUNITIES
VICTORIA – Three new integrated health networks will provide physicians, caregivers and patients in Victoria, Campbell River and Nanaimo with improved access to services for thousands of people living with chronic diseases. [News Release]
June 23 , 2008 - NEW SENIORS' FACILITY SETS 4,500-BED MILESTONE FOR B.C.
SURREY – The official opening of Laurel Place residential care facility to provide seniors in the Surrey area with around-the-clock care marked 4,500 net-new beds and units open across the province, announced Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Backgrounder]
June 6 , 2008 - B.C. LAUNCHES 2008 TELUS TOUR FOR THE CURE
VICTORIA – Women in 24 British Columbia communities and 42 neighbouring First Nations communities will receive important information about breast health, breast cancer and the value of screening mammograms through the 2008 TELUS Tour for the Cure launched today, announced Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release]
June 6 , 2008 - ISOLATED COMMUNITIES GET NEW MEAT TRANSITION SUPPORT
VICTORIA – Meat producers in remote and isolated communities are receiving additional assistance in the transition to becoming fully licensed, announced the ministers of Health and Agriculture. [News Release]
June 5 , 2008 - MORE SENIOR-FRIENDLY PROJECTS APPROVED FOR COMMUNITIES
VANCOUVER – Twenty-one more communities have received approval to develop plans and programs that address local challenges related to seniors’ housing, transportation and support services and enable seniors to age in place. These plans and programs are supported by a $500,000 grant from government, said Ida Chong, Minister of Community Services and Minister responsible for Seniors’ and Women’s Issues. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
May 30 , 2008 - NEW MEDICAL RADIOGRAPHY PROGRAM AT BCIT
BURNABY – Medical radiography professionals can now take advantage of a new associate certificate program increasing the number of certified medical radiographers in the province and addressing shortages in this important health field, Advanced Education Minister Murray Coell announced.. [News Release]
May 29 , 2008 - B.C. AND NEW ZEALAND SIGN HISTORIC HEALTH ARRANGEMENT
VICTORIA– An international agreement between the British Columbia Ministry of Health and the New Zealand Ministry of Health was signed today to further encourage the sharing of information and innovations in health service to maximize the health of British Columbians and New Zealanders. [News Release] [Health Arrangement]
May 23 , 2008 - COUNCIL TO ENSURE SAFE, QUALITY CARE FOR PATIENTS
VICTORIA – Patients will benefit from a more accountable and transparent approach to patient safety with the appointment of Dr. Doug Cochrane to help create and lead a new BC Patient Safety and Quality Council, announced Health Minister George Abbott today. [News Release]
May 23 , 2008 - SURREY OUTPATIENT HOSPITAL PROJECT MOVES AHEAD
SURREY – A preferred proponent has been named to work as part of the next steps needed toward building the new Surrey Outpatient Hospital. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
May 21 , 2008 - GOVERNMENT ACCEPTS DRUG PLAN RECOMMENDATIONS
VICTORIA – Government has accepted all of the recommendations from the Pharmaceutical Task Force, announced Health Minister George Abbott today. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Task Force Report]
May 16 , 2008 - NEW HOSPITAL AND CANCER CENTRE OPENS IN 100 DAYS
VICTORIA – The Province will provide $2 million in one-time funding to the Michael Cuccione Foundation to support research into new treatments for childhood cancer, Premier Gordon Campbell announced. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Backgrounder]
May 15 , 2008 - PROVINCE SUPPORTS CHILDHOOD CANCER TREATMENT RESEARCH
VICTORIA – The Province will provide $2 million in one-time funding to the Michael Cuccione Foundation to support research into new treatments for childhood cancer, Premier Gordon Campbell announced. [News Release]
May 13 , 2008 - B.C. CELEBRATES THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF PRACTICAL NURSES
VICTORIA – B.C. has proclaimed May 13 Licensed Practical Nurses Day to recognize the valuable contributions practical nurses make to patient care in communities across this province, Health Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release]
May 12 , 2008 - PROVINCE SUPPORTS CHILDREN'S MEDICAL RESEARCH
VANCOUVER – A $12-million grant from the Province will support the groundbreaking work of the Children with Intestinal and Liver Disorders (CH.I.L.D.) Foundation to find a cure for children with intestinal and liver disorders such as Crohn’s Disease, Premier Gordon Campbell announced today. [News Release]
May 12 , 2008 - HYPERTENSION DAY PROMOTES STRESS-FREE LIFESTYLES
VICTORIA – Regular recreational activities such as Tai Chi can help British Columbians reduce stress levels, which can cause hypertension, a condition more commonly known as persistent high blood pressure. [News Release]
May 8 , 2008 - KELOWNA AND VERNON HOSPITALS EXPANSION MOVES FORWARD
KELOWNA – A preferred proponent has been named to work with Interior Health and the Provincial governmental in negotiations as part of the next steps needed toward expanding Kelowna General Hospital and Vernon Jubilee Hospital. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
May 5 , 2008 - NEW VACCINE PROGRAM TO PROTECT GIRLS AGAINST CANCER
VICTORIA – Beginning this fall, girls in British Columbia entering grades 6 and 9 will be eligible for a free vaccine that will prevent 70 per cent of cervical cancers, Health Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
May 2 , 2008 - B.C. COMMUNITIES GAIN FAMILY PHYSICIANS
VICTORIA – A halfway milestone in attracting recently qualified family physicians to rural and urban areas of need has been exceeded with the recruitment of 56 general practitioners, announced Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
April 30, 2008 - B.C. TO ESTABLISH PATIENT CARE QUALITY REVIEW BOARDS
VICTORIA – Patients with concerns about the quality of their experience in the public health-care system will have access to a new, independent process to address their concerns as a result of legislation introduced today, announced Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release]
April 28, 2008 - B.C. TO PROTECT KIDS FROM SECOND-HAND SMOKE IN CARS
VICTORIA – Solicitor General John van Dongen today introduced amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act that will protect children under the age of 16 from second-hand smoke while they are passengers in motor vehicles. [News Release]
April 28, 2008 - CHOOSE FISH LOW IN MERCURY
VICTORIA – Eating fish is part of a healthy diet, but choose fish low in mercury for frequent consumption, recommends the BC Centre for Disease Control, an agency of the Provincial Health Services Authority. [News Release]
April 24, 2008 - HEALTH AUTHORITIES PROMOTE PATIENT-FOCUSED INNOVATION
VANCOUVER – British Columbia’s two largest health authorities, Fraser Health and Vancouver Coastal Health, will partner in a $75-million Lower Mainland Innovation and Integration Fund to encourage new patient-focused funding models that will support patient access – a government initiative announced in the 2008 throne speech. [News Release]
April 23, 2008 - EXPERT REPORT PROVIDES ADVICE ON DRINKING WATER SAFETY
VICTORIA – Management of drinking water systems, including the effectiveness of water quality advisories, could be improved with more consistent risk assessment and more understandable public communication, an internationally recognized committee of water experts reported to Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release]
April 22, 2008 - PROVINCE GIVES APPROVAL FOR NEW FORT ST. JOHN HOSPITAL
FORT ST. JOHN – Health Minister George Abbott was joined by Peace River North MLA Richard Neufeld and representatives from Northern Health, the Peace River Regional Hospital District and the City of Fort St. John to announce provincial funding approval to replace and expand Fort St. John Hospital, including a residential care facility. [News Release] [Capital Project Plan]
April 21, 2008 - B.C. CELEBRATES NATIONAL IMMUNIZATION AWARENESS WEEK
VICTORIA – National Immunization Awareness Week runs from April 21-27, 2008 and is an opportunity to focus the attention of Canadians on the importance of vaccinations for all age groups, an issue that is all the more important given the recent resurgence of diseases such as measles and mumps. [News Release]
April 17, 2008 - INTERNATIONAL MEDICAL GRADUATES GET BOOST FROM PROVINCE
VICTORIA – Health Minister George Abbott announced a program that will help internationally educated physicians better navigate the health system. [News Release]
April 17, 2008 - MEAT PRODUCERS GET FURTHER ASSISTANCE FOR LICENSING
VICTORIA – Small-scale meat producers are getting additional assistance with more than $3.8 million to build slaughterhouse capacity and bring them into compliance with the Ministry of Health’s Meat Inspection Regulation. [News Release]
April 14 , 2008 - B.C. INTRODUCES NEW HEALTH STATUTES
VICTORIA – Health Minister George Abbott introduced the Health Miscellaneous Statutes Act, which will make a number of changes to existing legislation, including greater transparency in the work of the Medical Services Commission. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
April 10 , 2008 - ACCESS TO HEALTH PROFESSIONALS EXPANDED
VICTORIA – Following through on commitments made in the throne speech, Health Minister George Abbott today introduced the Health Professions Regulatory Reform Act. The legislation will expand patient access to and choice of health professionals, while making British Columbia the most attractive and welcoming place in Canada for health professionals to work. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
April 10 , 2008 - E-HEALTH STATUTE INCREASES PATIENT ACCESS AND PRIVACY
VICTORIA – A new e-Health (Personal Health Information Access and Protection of Privacy) Act introduced today moves British Columbia a step closer to the goal of giving citizens access to their health records and medical information, while strengthening privacy protection, said Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release]
April 9 , 2008 - NEW B.C. LEGISLATION TO SUPPORT PUBLIC HEALTH ACTION
VICTORIA – Health Minister George Abbott introduced a new Public Health Act to replace outdated legislation and set the groundwork for a modernization of public health. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Backgrounder]
April 8 , 2008 - PROVINCE STRENGTHENS PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM
VICTORIA – Through legislation introduced today, British Columbia will be the first province in Canada to define and enshrine in legislation the principles of the Canada Health Act and add a sixth principle of sustainability to strengthen B.C.’s health system today and secure it for future generations. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
April 8 , 2008 - PROVINCE STRENGTHENS PUBLIC HEALTH SYSTEM
VICTORIA – Through legislation introduced today, British Columbia will be the first province in Canada to define and enshrine in legislation the principles of the Canada Health Act and add a sixth principle of sustainability to strengthen B.C.’s health system today and secure it for future generations. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
April 8 , 2008 - B.C. INTRODUCES HEALTH CARE COSTS RECOVERY ACT
VICTORIA – Health Minister George Abbott today introduced the Health Care Costs Recovery Act, which will provide government with the legal tools necessary to recover millions of dollars annually in health-care costs from third party wrongdoers and their insurers. [News Release]
April 7 , 2008 - B.C. RELEASES SECOND EDITION OF TODDLER’S FIRST STEPS
VICTORIA – B.C. has released a new edition of Toddler’s First Steps, a handy reference guide that provides parents and caregivers of children between the ages of six months and three years of age with the most up-to-date parenting tips and child health and wellness information. [News Release] [Toddler's First Steps]
April 7 , 2008 - PREFERRED PROPONENT SELECTED FOR ROYAL JUBILEE HOSPITAL
VICTORIA – The new 500-bed Royal Jubilee Hospital project in Victoria has reached an important milestone with the selection of ISL Health as the preferred proponent. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
April 4 , 2008 - HEALTHY LESSONS LAST A LIFETIME
VANCOUVER – The overall health and well-being of B.C. students is improving thanks to efforts
such as Healthy Schools and ActNow BC, but schools still need a more comprehensive approach to
promoting health, according to a report released today by provincial health officer Dr. Perry Kendall. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Report]
March 31 , 2008 - B.C. LAUNCHES ONLINE ORDERING FOR BIRTH CERTIFICATES
VICTORIA – For the first time ever, British Columbians now have the convenience of ordering B.C.-issued birth, marriage or death certificates online through a new, secure, web-based ordering system, Health Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release]
March 30 , 2008 - ACUPUNCTURE ADDED AS SUPPLEMENTARY MSP BENEFIT
VICTORIA – On April 1, B.C. will become the first Canadian province to offer acupuncture treatments as a supplementary benefit for its Medical Services Plan (MSP) premium assistance recipients, Health Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release] [Minister Abbott Audio Clip 1] [Minister Abbott Audio Clip 2] [Minister Abbott Audio Clip 3]
March 29 , 2008 - NEW TOBACCO LAWS PROMOTE A HEALTHIER B.C.
VICTORIA – New regulations that restrict the promotion and sale of tobacco products, and ban smoking in indoor public spaces and workplaces take effect in British Columbia on March 31, Health Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Minister Abbott Audio Clip 1] [Minister Abbott Audio Clip 2] [Minister Abbott Audio Clip 3]
March 28 , 2008 - 4,000 BED MILESTONE REACHED AT CEDARS OPENING
VANCOUVER – B.C. has passed the 4,000-bed milestone with the opening of the Cedars at Beulah Gardens. Provincial and community partners gathered today to celebrate the opening of the Cedars, a new housing development in East Vancouver, which will provide 89 assisted living units for seniors. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Backgrounder]
March 27 , 2008 - NEW GAMMA CAMERAS ENHANCE CARE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUTH
VANCOUVER – Two new state-of-the-art molecular-imaging gamma cameras will help decrease exam durations and provide higher-quality images at BC Children’s Hospital, home to the province’s only specialized nuclear medicine department for children and youth, Health Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
March 26 , 2008 - NEW FACILITY PROVIDES MODERN HOME FOR SURREY SENIORS
SURREY – Health Minister George Abbott was joined by health-care leaders, facility staff, residents and their families to celebrate the grand opening of the CareLife Fleetwood residential care facility with a special tree planting ceremony. [News Release] [Backgrounder]
March 25 , 2008 - PROVINCE PROMOTES BEST PRACTICES FOR DRUG PRESCRIBING
VICTORIA – Health Minister George Abbott announced the launch of an innovative, new program in which health professionals will educate other health professionals on the latest and best prescribing techniques to improve health outcomes for patients and reduce prescription drug costs over time. [News Release]
March 25 , 2008 - B.C. EXPANDS DRUG COVERAGE FOR HEPATITIS B PATIENTS
VANCOUVER – Hepatitis B patients now have more treatment options following government’s approval of two drug therapies, adefovir (Hepsera) and entecavir (Baraclude), through the PharmaCare program, announced Health Minister George Abbott today in Vancouver. [News Release]
March 14 , 2008 - FAMILY MEDICINE RECEIVES A BOOST IN LADNER
LADNER – Ladner has been added to the growing list of B.C. communities benefiting from an innovative program that encourages new family physicians to establish practices in rural and urban areas, Delta South MLA Val Roddick announced. [News Release]
March 12 , 2008 - $2 MILLION TO SUPPORT BURN SURVIVORS
VICTORIA – Burn survivors and their families will be aided by a $2-million grant to the BC Professional Fire Fighters' Burn Fund Building, Health Minister George Abbott announced today. [News Release]
March 10 , 2008 - BC UPGRADES PHARMANET TO ADVANCE ELECTRONIC HEALTH CARE
VICTORIA – B.C. is enhancing PharmaNet as the next step in implementing electronic health records by investing $14.2 million in its eDrug project, Health Minister George Abbott announced. [News Release]
March 8 , 2008 - B.C. TO FUND THREE-YEAR NURSING DEGREE PROGRAM AT BCIT
BURNABY – The Province announced that it will provide $1.4 million in one-time funding to kickstart the first three-year accelerated nursing degree program in the province at the British Columbia Institute of Technology. [News Release]
March 5 , 2008 - ARTHRITIS PATIENTS TO BENEFIT FROM MORE DRUG THERAPIES
VICTORIA – Patients with an arthritic condition that affects the spinal cord now have more treatment options through government’s approval of three new drug therapies, announced Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release]
March 4 , 2008 - SAFELY DISPOSE OF UNUSED OR EXPIRED MEDICATIONS
VICTORIA - Health Minister George Abbott today urged British Columbians to protect themselves, their families and the environment by returning old medicines to their local pharmacist for safe disposal. [News Release][Backgrounder] [Video]
March 3 , 2008 - SENIORS TO BENEFIT FROM FALLS CLINIC AT LGH
NORTH VANCOUVER - A new clinic opening on the North Shore will help seniors at risk of falling to stay healthier, longer.
[News Release]
February 22 , 2008 - BC OPENS BURNABY CENTRE FOR MENTAL HEALTH & ADDICTIONS
BURNABY – Premier Gordon Campbell announced that the Province will open a new Burnaby Centre for Mental Health and Addictions – the first of its kind in British Columbia – to provide services for people suffering from the most severe addiction and mental health illnesses. [News Release]
February 22 , 2008 - FORUM CELEBRATES INNOVATION IN HEALTH CARE
VANCOUVER – Health professionals from across the province gather today for a day-long forum hosted by Health Minister George Abbott that showcases Health Innovation Fund projects from the $100-million fund and allows participants to share ideas and discuss the role of innovation in the future of B.C.’s health-care system. [News Release] [Backgrounder] [Video 1 - Interior Health: Streamlining in the emergency department at Kelowna General Hospital] [Video 2 - Vancouver Island: Reducing patient wait times for diagnostic testing in Victoria] [Video 3 - Fraser Health: New Canadian clinic in the Lower Mainland]
February 21 , 2008 - HEALTH AUTHORITIES TO GET 19% INCREASE OVER THREE YEARS
VICTORIA – Health authority budget allocations over the next three years will reach the highest levels ever, climbing to $9 billion in 2010/11, announced Health Minister George Abbott. [News Release]
February 8 , 2008 - NEW CENTRE OFFERS HEALTH SERVICE TO VERNON'S HOMELESS
VERNON– Health Minister George Abbott today officially opened a new drop-in primary health-care centre that will provide access to health care for homeless and marginalized people in Vernon. [News Release]
February 8 , 2008 - KELOWNA GENERAL HOSPITAL OPENS NEONATAL UNIT
KELOWNA– Health Minister George Abbott officially opened a newly renovated $3-million neonatal unit at Kelowna General Hospital that will provide six beds for premature, underweight babies needing specialized care. [News Release] |
