Ministry of Health
Headlines / News Releases
Feb. 7, 2012 - Funding rolls out to help rural emergency care acces
WILLIAMS LAKE – To date, families in 36 rural communities across British Columbia will benefit from increased funding to strengthen public access to emergency services. A total of 52 communities are eligible. [News Release]
Feb. 7, 2012 - Fifty-two communities receive Age-friendly BC grants
MAPLE RIDGE – Seniors in every region of B.C. will benefit as 52 local governments receive age-friendly grants to support older residents in staying healthy and active in the community. [News Release]
Feb. 6, 2012 - New Interior crisis line network launched
KAMLOOPS – All Interior Health residents now have around-the-clock access to toll-free telephone support when they need assistance managing personal concerns with the launch of an Interior Crisis Line Network. [News Release]
Feb. 6, 2012 - Mobile app helps users locate health services in B.C.
COQUITLAM – The Province today unveiled a mobile application, which allows people to locate a range of health services in British Columbia using an iPhone, iPad or iPod. [News Release]
Feb. 2, 2012 - Meat inspection review ensures B.C. has safe meat supply
VICTORIA – The Province has completed a comprehensive review of options for provincially operated meat inspection services at Class A and B licensed abattoirs. [News Release]
Jan. 23, 2012 - Get some sodium sense
VICTORIA – The Province is continuing to make the healthier choice the easier choice with a new online, interactive sodium tool. [News Release]
Jan. 16, 2012 - It’s National Non-Smoking Week – thinking of quitting?
VICTORIA – The theme for this year’s National Non-Smoking Week is “breaking up is hard to do,” but breaking up with tobacco this new year is easier for British Columbians thanks to B.C.’s Smoking Cessation Program. [News Release]
Jan. 9, 2012 - Health Minister’s statement on anesthesiology agreement
VICTORIA – The Province and the BC Medical Association have signed a milestone agreement, which paves the way for 24/7 obstetrical anesthesia services in all B.C.’s tertiary care maternity hospitals to better support high-risk pregnant mothers and their babies. [News Release]
Jan. 9, 2012 - Heartwood cares for women with addictions
VANCOUVER – Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, MLA for Vancouver-Fairview, on behalf of Health Minister Michael de Jong, announced the Province will invest more than $2 million annually to support the Heartwood Centre for Women, a new leading-edge residential substance treatment program at BC Women’s Hospital. [News Release]
Jan. 3, 2012 - Contract for oil and gas public health engagement
VICTORIA – A contract has been awarded to the Fraser Basin Council (FBC) for the first phase of a human health risk assessment of oil and gas development in northeast British Columbia. [News Release]
Jan. 1, 2012 - Top ten tips for a healthier you this New Year
VICTORIA – Are you looking for ways for you and your family to lead healthier lives this New Year? [Information Bulletin]
Dec. 30, 2011 - A new year, a healthier you – we can help!
VICTORIA – Thinking of making a New Year’s resolution to stop smoking, eat better or be more active? B.C. families now have easy access to a variety of new tools and programs to help them achieve healthier lifestyles. [News Release]
Dec. 20, 2011 - Top ten tips for staying fall-free this winter
VICTORIA – Snow season has arrived, along with icy conditions that can lead to an unexpected slip or trip. [News Release]
Dec. 13, 2011 - Agreement supports 24/7 obstetrical anesthesia services
VICTORIA – The Province and the BC Medical Association have signed a milestone agreement, which paves the way for 24/7 obstetrical anesthesia services in all B.C.’s tertiary care maternity hospitals to better support high-risk pregnant mothers and their babies. [News Release]
Dec. 11, 2011 - New residential care rates benefit low-income seniors
VICTORIA – About a quarter of seniors in residential care in B.C. will now receive up to an additional $600 a year. [News Release]
Dec. 6, 2011 - Cataract patients to benefit from bulk buying power
VICTORIA – Beginning next year, cataract patients in B.C. who wish to purchase foldable intraocular lenses will be able to do so directly from their health authority at standardized pricing that will reflect provincial buying power with savings passed on to patients. [News Release]
Dec. 5, 2011 - Cariboo families benefit as 28-bed Deni House reopens
WILLIAMS LAKE – Cariboo-Chilcotin MLA Donna Barnett, on behalf of Minister of Health Michael de Jong, was joined today by representatives of the Cariboo Chilcotin Regional Hospital District and Interior Health to celebrate the reopening of Deni House. [News Release]
Dec. 2, 2011 - B.C. women among Canada’s healthiest, but gaps persist
VANCOUVER – British Columbia’s provincial health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, released his report on women’s health in British Columbia today. Overall, the report finds that women in B.C. are among the healthiest in Canada, but health gaps persist. [News Release]
Nov. 30, 2011 - Know your sodium facts, win great prizes
VICTORIA – From now until Jan. 15, you can put your sodium knowledge to the test and win big by taking the Healthy Families BC Sodium Facts Contest. [News Release]
Nov. 29, 2011 - Virtual program for integrated cancer care planned
VICTORIA – Cancer patients in rural and remote areas of British Columbia seeking integrated care will soon have access to a virtual program, the first of its kind in North America. [News Release]
Nov. 25, 2011 - B.C. and ParticipACTION partner to get Canada moving
HALIFAX – B.C. Health Minister Michael de Jong and ParticipACTION CEO Kelly Murumets today signed a joint statement of intent to become partners in the promotion of physical activity in British Columbia. [News Release]
Nov. 21, 2011 - B.C. smokers continue to call 8-1-1 for help butting out
VICTORIA – British Columbians continue to light up the phone lines at 8-1-1, with almost 34,000 smokers calling for help quitting. [News Release]
Nov. 16, 2011 - Interior cardiac program – two years of saving lives
KELOWNA – Cardiologists at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) have performed almost 2,000 cardiac angioplasties since the first cardiac procedure was performed two years ago today. [News Release]
Nov. 14, 2011 - B.C. expands immunizations for children
VICTORIA – Immunization is one of the most effective ways to prevent serious disease. [News Release]
Nov. 14, 2011 - Funding food skills for families
VICTORIA – The Province is providing $475,000 to a Canadian Diabetes Association healthy cooking program to help families gain knowledge of basic nutrition and confidence in the kitchen to prepare healthy meals, snacks and beverages. [News Release]
Nov. 8, 2011 - B.C. welcomes U.S. commitment to Treatment as Prevention
VICTORIA – B.C. Premier Christy Clark lauded Hillary Rodham Clinton’s call today for an AIDS-free generation and scaling up a Treatment as Prevention strategy as part of a comprehensive proposal to fight HIV and AIDS. [News Release]
Nov. 4, 2011 - Seniors' Fall Prevention Awareness Week
VICTORIA – Ensuring seniors in B.C. are supported to live healthy, independent lives is the focus of Senior’s Fall Prevention Awareness week, Nov. 7-13. [News Release]
Oct. 31, 2011 - Amendments allow nurse practitioners to fulfil expanded role
VICTORIA – The Province today introduced the Nurse Practitioners Statutes Amendment Act, 2011, allowing nurse practitioners (NPs) to work within their existing scope of practice. [News Release]
Oct. 22, 2011 - $1.5 million for new Canuck Place Children’s Hospice
VANCOUVER – Health Minister Michael de Jong announced an additional $1.5 million to support the construction of the new Canuck Place Children’s Hospice at the Gift of Time Gala in Vancouver last night. [News Release]
Oct. 17, 2011 - Flu vaccine program kicks off throughout B.C.
VICTORIA – Eligible British Columbians who want to protect themselves and their families from getting the flu and its complications this year are now able to get vaccinated at flu clinics throughout the province, announced Minister of Health Michael de Jong today. [News Release]
Oct. 14, 2011 - Renamed cancer centre honours Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins
KELOWNA – The BC Cancer Agency Centre for the Southern Interior received a new name today in honour of the late MLA Sindi Ahluwalia Hawkins. [News Release]
Oct. 13, 2011 - Polson Tower officially opens at Vernon Jubilee Hospital
VERNON – Health Minister Michael de Jong, Vernon-Monashee MLA Eric Foster, physicians and staff officially opened the Polson Tower at Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH) today. [News Release]
Oct. 13, 2011 - Integrated cancer care centre opens in Victoria
VICTORIA – Cancer patients on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands now have access to a new integrated cancer care service that combines the broader concepts of health with standard therapies. [News Release]
Oct. 13, 2011 - Partners sign historic First Nations health agreement
VANCOUVER – The Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, federal Minister of Health, British Columbia Minister of Health Michael De Jong, the B.C. First Nations Health Council and the B.C. First Nations Health Society today signed a landmark legal agreement that will ensure B.C. First Nations have a major role in the planning and management of health services for First Nations through a new First Nations health governance structure. [News Release]
Oct. 11, 2011 - Dave Lede Campus of Care to support B.C. families
ABBOTSFORD – Health Minister Michael de Jong announced today that the site, home to the new Canuck Place Children’s Hospice, Abbotsford Hospice Society and Matthew’s House, will be named the Dave Lede Campus of Care. [News Release]
Oct. 11, 2011 - Groundbreaking for cutting-edge brain health centre
VANCOUVER – B.C. will be home to a centre that will lead the way in North America by uniting brain health and patient care, announced the Honourable John Duncan, Minister of Aboriginal Affairs and Northern Development Canada, and Health Minister Michael de Jong, who attended today’s groundbreaking at UBC Hospital. [News Release]
Oct. 9, 2011 - Thousands of B.C. smokers take up free offer of help
VICTORIA – B.C. smokers lit up phone lines calling 8-1-1 this week to get help quitting. [News Release]
Oct. 7, 2011 - Specialized mental health program opens in Chilliwack
CHILLIWACK – Health Minister Michael de Jong, with Chilliwack MLA John Les and Chilliwack-Hope MLA Barry Penner, were joined by representatives of Fraser Health for the opening of a new $2.7-million 20-bed mental health program. [News Release]
Oct. 1, 2011 - Celebrate National Seniors Day
VANCOUVER – Dr. Margaret MacDiarmid, Minister of Labour, Citizen Services and Open Government, celebrated National Seniors Day today by dancing with the residents of Shannon Oaks. [News Release]
Sep. 30, 2011 - Health Minister’s Statement on Insite
VICTORIA – Health Minister Michael de Jong today issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court of Canada ruling that supported the ongoing operation of Insite, North America’s only supervised injection site. [News Release]
Sep. 29, 2011 - Premier announces $650,000 to support Age-Friendly BC
VANCOUVER – Premier Christy Clark announced today the launch of Age-friendly BC, a $650,000 grant and recognition program to help local governments create environments in which seniors will be able to enjoy good health and active participation in their community. [News Release]
Sep. 27, 2011 - Tumbler Ridge wins $10,000 in Walking Challenge
TUMBLER RIDGE – For the past six weeks, thousands of British Columbians have taken the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge in hopes of winning weekly draw prizes and the $10,000 prize for their community to support the development of walking trails. [News Release]
Sep. 27, 2011 - Quesnel wins $10,000 in Walking Challenge
QUESNEL – For the past six weeks, thousands of British Columbians have taken the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge in hopes of winning weekly draw prizes and the $10,000 prize for their community to support the development of walking trails. [News Release]
Sep. 27, 2011 - Walking Challenge grand prize winners announced
VANCOUVER – Healthy living is paying off for the community of Tumbler Ridge that wins a total of $60,000 towards building walking trails and six B.C. families that win vacations, as the overall winners of the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge. [News Release]
Sep. 27, 2011 - Penticton wins $10,000 in Walking Challenge
PENTICTON – For the past six weeks, thousands of British Columbians have taken the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge in hopes of winning weekly draw prizes and the $10,000 prize for their community to support the development of walking trails. [News Release]
Sep. 27, 2011 - Esquimalt wins $10,000 in Walking Challenge
ESQUIMALT – For the past six weeks, thousands of British Columbians have taken the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge in hopes of winning weekly draw prizes and the $10,000 prize for their community to support the development of walking trails. [News Release]
Sep. 27, 2011 - Action plan to protect patient safety unveiled
VANCOUVER – New measures to strengthen physician hiring and oversight and enhance public confidence in the health-care system were announced today by Health Minister Michael de Jong, as he released the final report into a review of the quality of medical scans in British Columbia. [News Release] [Report]
Sep. 27, 2011 - B.C. rolls out program to help smokers quit
VANCOUVER – As part of a commitment to healthy families in British Columbia, Premier Christy Clark announced today that starting this Friday nicotine replacement therapies will be available at no cost and smoking cessation prescription drugs will be covered under PharmaCare. [News Release]
Sep. 26, 2011 - B.C. celebrates World Breastfeeding Week
VICTORIA – Canada celebrates World Breastfeeding Week Oct. 1-7, an international event designed to promote, support and encourage breastfeeding at the local, national and global levels to improve the health of mothers and babies around the world. [News Release]
Sep. 24, 2011 - Agreement signed to share health data on Métis Citizen
ABBOTSFORD – Health information on Métis Citizens in British Columbia will become available
as a result of a historic information-sharing agreement signed today between Métis Nation BC
and the provincial government. [News Release]
Sep. 22, 2011 - $17.2 million for St. Paul’s Hospital upgrades
VANCOUVER – St. Paul’s Hospital will benefit from $17.2 million to replace aging electrical infrastructure and elevators, providing stability and consistent care for patients, announced Health Minister Michael de Jong today, as he visited the facility. [News Release]
Sep. 17, 2011 - Healthy communities support Healthy Families BC
ABBOTSFORD – The Province is partnering with communities in a grassroots effort to help families live healthier lifestyles and prevent chronic disease. [News Release]
Sep. 15, 2011 - $60M world-class health-care research centre opens
VANCOUVER – A new research facility that will work on medical breakthroughs to save lives and prevent disease officially opened today. [News Release]
Sep. 8, 2011 - It’s not too late to walk to win
VICTORIA – With kids back to school after summer vacation, life is starting to settle into routine. Help keep daily physical activity a part of your family’s schedule and win some great prizes by joining in on the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge.
[News Release]
Sep. 7, 2011 - B.C. leads country with lowest smoking rate
VICTORIA – British Columbia has the lowest smoking rate in Canada for the 12th year in a row at 14.3 per cent, says the 2010 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey (CTUMS).
[News Release]
Sep. 6, 2011 - More tools to help families plan for the future
VICTORIA – New simple, cost-effective planning tools are now available to capable adults wanting to plan for a time when they are unable to make their own decisions independently.
[News Release]
Aug. 30, 2011 - Interior families benefit from dedicated air ambulance
KAMLOOPS – Premier Christy Clark announced today that dedicated helicopter air ambulance service will begin serving the Central Interior immediately to ensure faster service for critically ill or injured Interior patients, leading to better outcomes.
[News Release]
Aug. 29, 2011 - B.C.’s cancer program doubles scanning capacity
VANCOUVER – A second PET/CT scanner installed at the BC Cancer Agency will double the number of scans that can be done on cancer patients or those who might have cancer – from 3,100 scans to 6,200 scans annually.
[News Release]
Aug. 15, 2011 - $25 million for a stronger, more sustainable B.C.
VICTORIA – The Province is providing $25 million to Genome BC in support of its ongoing research in the areas of agriculture, forestry, fisheries, human health, bioenergy, mining and the environment.
[News Release]
Aug. 11, 2011 - B.C. convenience stores support Healthy Families BC
BURNABY – Convenience stores and gas bars across British Columbia – from Mac’s to 7-Elevens to independents – are partnering with the Province to help make the healthier choice the easy choice, as part of Healthy Families BC, announced Health Minister Michael de Jong today.
[News Release]
Aug. 11, 2011 - Mobile Medical Unit to benefit B.C. families
ABBOTSFORD – A high-tech Mobile Medical Unit that acts as a mini-hospital and will be used across the province to provide medical services for B.C. families was unveiled today by Minister of Health Michael de Jong, in partnership with the Provincial Health Services Authority (PHSA).
[News Release]
Aug. 11, 2011 - Healthy Families BC grand prize winner announced
VICTORIA – Congratulations to the grand prize winner of the Healthy Families BC contest, Holly McLennan of Pitt Meadows! Along with many other British Columbians, she took easy steps toward a healthier lifestyle by registering with Healthy Families BC.
[News Release]
Aug. 10, 2011 - B.C. restaurants help families make informed choices
VICTORIA – Enjoying a meal out at a restaurant can be a fun and enjoyable way for families to spend time together.
[News Release]
Aug. 9, 2011 - Patients benefit as access to cardiac rehab expands
VANCOUVER – More patients and families have access to specialized heart care, closer to their homes, thanks to an innovative cardiac rehabilitation program that has officially opened in three Vancouver community centres.
[News Release]
Aug. 9, 2011 - Provincial dietitians now at your fingertips
VICTORIA – Can your diet prevent cancer? Want your kids to have more vegetables? Are seeds safe to eat if you have diverticulosis? Answers from dietitians are now just an email away.
[News Release]
Aug. 8, 2011 - Walk to win with Healthy Families BC
VANCOUVER – Want to become more active with your family? Win great prizes for you and your community? Then take the Healthy Families BC Walking Challenge!
[News Release]
Aug. 3, 2011 - RFP released for Interior heart and surgical centre
KELOWNA – The Province and Interior Health, in collaboration with Partnerships BC, have released a request for proposals (RFP) for the Interior Heart and Surgical Centre (IHSC) building at Kelowna General Hospital.
[News Release]
July 26, 2011 - Three weeks left to win big with Healthy Families BC
DELTA – Three weeks remain to register online with Healthy Families BC and win, just like Linda Deamer of Delta.
[News Release]
July 22, 2011 - SMH expansion begins with first concrete pour
SURREY – After months of excavation and site preparation, the first concrete will be poured today at the eight-storey expansion to the Surrey Memorial Hospital (SMH).
[News Release]
July 21, 2011 - Join Healthy Families BC for tips and the chance to win
SURREY – Karla Reilander of Surrey is enjoying her new Cuisinox Elite seven-piece cookware set after becoming the second winner in the Healthy Families BC contest. You can enter to win weekly prizes just like Karla by simply registering online with Healthy Families BC.
[News Release]
July 18, 2011 - Rural families to benefit from $10M emergency care plan
VICTORIA – A new $10-million provincewide program will benefit rural communities and support physicians by improving patient access to rural emergency services.
[News Release]
July 13, 2011 - First winner revealed in Healthy Families BC contest
NANAIMO – How much sodium, represented in cups of salt, does the average British Columbian consume each year? The correct answer is 11. To stay healthy, we need less than the equivalent of five cups of salt a year.
[News Release]
July 6, 2011 - Families receive a new standard of patient care at RJH
VICTORIA – The $348.6-million Patient Care Centre at Royal Jubilee Hospital officially opened today, bringing a new standard of care for all Vancouver Island families.
[News Release]
June 29, 2011 - B.C. supports seniors with age friendly business guide
VICTORIA – B.C. businesses now have access to a comprehensive guide that provides information on how to create a business environment that is safe and comfortable for seniors.
[News Release]
June 29, 2011 - Fall prevention resources for seniors and physicians
VICTORIA – The Province today unveiled a suite of multimedia training resources that will support physicians and other health professionals to educate seniors in ways to prevent falls and stay healthy.
[News Release]
June 27, 2011 - BC innovations boost independence for seniors, people with disabilities
VICTORIA– Premier Christy Clark announced $3.5 million to the University of Victoria to support an innovative project that will help seniors and people with disabilities remain as independent as possible while still living at home.
[News Release]
June 21, 2011 - B.C. families living the healthiest lifestyles in Canada
VICTORIA – Statistics Canada released its annual Canadian Community Health Survey today confirming that B.C. still holds the top spot among provinces when it comes to living healthy lifestyles.
[News Release]
June 21, 2011 - Shortlist named for Interior Heart and Surgical Centre
KELOWNA – The Interior Heart and Surgical Centre Project reached a critical milestone today with the announcement of the three proponents shortlisted following the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) to design, build, finance and maintain the Interior Heart and Surgical Centre (IHSC) Building.
[News Release]
June 20, 2011 - B.C. youth share ideas around healthy weights
PORT COQUITLAM – Youth from Port Coquitlam’s Kwayhquitlam Middle school today shared their ideas around ways we can all combat childhood obesity, and promote healthy weights.
[News Release]
June 13, 2011 - Patients benefit as Cumberland dialysis unit expands
CUMBERLAND – North Island residents living with chronic kidney failure have improved access to hemodialysis now that a $2.25-million project to expand the outpatient Cumberland Community Dialysis Facility is complete.
[News Release]
June 7, 2011 - B.C. gives at-risk families the healthiest start to life
VANCOUVER – British Columbia today launched a provincewide program to make sure that at-risk or potentially vulnerable first-time families get the healthiest start in life for mom and baby.
[News Release]
June 5, 2011 - Celebrating Seniors Week in British Columbia
B.C. seniors built our province and provided our families the many great opportunities and stability that we enjoy today. June 5-11 is BC Seniors Week and it’s a chance for us to look back on the many contributions our parents and grandparents have made, to say thank you and to highlight what the provincial government has done to meet seniors’ needs.
[Opinion-Editorial]
June 3, 2011 - B.C. expands access to integrated cancer care
VANCOUVER – Five new integrated cancer care centres, including a virtual one in Vancouver to serve rural and remote parts of British Columbia, will open as part of Healthy Families BC.
[News Release]
June 3, 2011 - New model of care for seniors with dementia
BURNABY – Today marked the grand opening of The Rosewood at Harmony Court Care Centre and Fraser Health’s first model of care designed for medically stable, independently mobile seniors with dementia.
[News Release]
June 2, 2011 - Knowing signs of stroke will save lives
VICTORIA – Health Minister Michael de Jong is highlighting Stroke Awareness Month and how families can stay healthy by learning the signs of stroke.
[News Release]
May 31, 2011 - More dietitians, expanded hours serve families better
VICTORIA – Families in B.C. will have better access to a bigger team of provincial dietitians when they have questions about healthy eating and planning their meals.
[News Release]
May 30, 2011 - Jim Pattison Outpatient Centre officially opened
SURREY – The $237-million Jim Pattison Outpatient Care and Surgery Centre was officially opened today.
[News Release]
May 27, 2011 - Northern families to benefit from new cancer lodge
PRINCE GEORGE – B.C. has committed $2 million towards the $10-million capital campaign for the Kordyban Lodge to support cancer patients and their families.
[News Release]
May 24, 2011 - Premier Clark launches strategy for healthy families
VANCOUVER – Premier Christy Clark today launched the most comprehensive health-promotion program anywhere in Canada.
[News Release]
May 20, 2011 - B.C., Krall family invest in patient housing program
VANCOUVER – Patient and caregivers who need to travel for leukemia treatments or solid organ transplants are benefiting from a new $720,000 pilot project that provides affordable patient housing options.
[News Release]
May 19, 2011 - B.C. paves way for new card to replace CareCard
VICTORIA – Amendments to the Medicare Protection Act were introduced today in the B.C. legislature to support the introduction of a more secure card, designed to improve patient safety and reduce fraud.
[News Release]
May 17, 2011 - Premier Clark expands kids’ fruit and veggie program
COURTENAY – More B.C. children will have access to fresh, B.C.-grown fruit and vegetable snacks in the classroom thanks to a $3-million expansion of the BC School Fruit and Vegetable Nutritional Program, Premier Christy Clark announced today.
[News Release]
May 9, 2011 - Premier Christy Clark announces free support to help smokers
VANCOUVER – Nicotine replacement therapies will be available to all British Columbian smokers at no cost and smoking cessation prescription drugs will be covered under PharmaCare, Premier Christy Clark announced today.
[News Release]
May 6, 2011 - Abbotsford families to benefit from new hospice
ABBOTSFORD – Abbotsford residents requiring hospice care will soon be able to receive the services they need in their own community. The B.C. government is providing $3.5 million to support hospice services through the Abbotsford Hospice Society.
[News Release]
For News Releases beyond the dates shown please see the Ministry of Health News Releases or Province Wide News Releases.
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