Media Archive Blog Topic Listing Page

Interior Health has begun to support the return of long-term care residents to Village at Smith Creek now that threat of wildfire associated with the McDougall Creek wildfire has been reduced. Repatriation will occur gradually and carefully to ensure appropriate staffing and resources are in place when residents return to their homes. Interior Health is working with our partners in the delivery of long-term care services to keep families of residents informed as repatriation planning progresses. Families will be notified directly as their loved ones are moved back. Anyone wishing to confirm their loved one’s current location can call 1-833-469-9800. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Messages can be left after hours for a call back. Interior Health supported the proactive relocation of 186 residents of Village at Smith Creek on Aug. 19 to neighbouring communities due to wildfire activity in the Central Okanagan. As localized alerts and evacuation orders are rescinded, a dedicated team will continue to lead the complex planning work of repatriating residents and clients to their homes. Interior Health proactively relocated nearly 900 people from nine seniors care homes due to the threat of wildfire. Four seniors care homes have already begun repatriating residents home. Interior Health continues to support the wildfire response in our region, and our heartfelt thanks goes out to our care partners in neighbouring health authorities, first responders, community volunteers and local and provincial governments. Those requiring support are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789. Watch: Residents of Lakeview Lodge return home following evacuation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn7eYY4MVgQ Everyone is reminded to make preparations for wildfires, and smoky skies as air quality deteriorates by visiting: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/wildfires Install the BC Wildfire Service mobile app (Android or iOS) or visit the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard to find information on current wildfire activity: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status The FireWork Forecast shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 48 hours: https://weather.gc.ca/firework/

The Elkford Health Centre will be closed on Tuesday, Aug. 29 due to a scheduled power outage by BC Hydro. For all emergent and urgent health-care needs, patients can access care at the Sparwood Health Centre at 570 Pine Avenue or call 911. Patients with booked medical appointments at the Elkford Health Center on Aug. 29 have the option for a phone consult or attending an in-person appointment with their Elkford provider at the Sparwood Health Centre on that day. Anyone with an appointment is being contacted directly by Elkford Health Centre staff. Lab services will also be suspended on Aug. 29. For bloodwork or x-ray services, patients are encouraged to make an appointment for the Sparwood Health Centre through www.labonlinebooking.ca or by calling 1-844-870-4756 from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. MDT. Service will return to normal operations at 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 30.

Interior Health has begun to support the return of long-term care residents to Glenmore Lodge in Kelowna and Lake Country Lodge in Lake Country now that threat of wildfire associated with the Grouse Complex wildfire has been reduced. Repatriation will occur gradually and carefully to ensure appropriate staffing and resources are in place when residents return to their homes. Interior Health is working with our partners in the delivery of long-term care services to keep families of residents informed as repatriation planning progresses. Families will be notified directly as their loved ones are moved back. Anyone wishing to confirm their loved one’s current location can call 1-833-469-9800. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Messages can be left after hours for a call back. Interior Health supported the proactive relocation of Glenmore Lodge and Lake Country Lodge residents on Aug. 18 to neighbouring communities due to wildfire activity in the Central Okanagan. One hundred sixteen residents are returning to Glenmore Lodge and 48 residents are returning to Lake Country Lodge. As localized alerts and evacuation orders are rescinded, a dedicated team will continue to lead the complex planning work of repatriating residents and clients to their homes. Interior Health proactively relocated nearly 900 people from nine seniors care homes due to the threat of wildfire. Two seniors care homes have already begun repatriating residents home. Interior Health continues to support the wildfire response in our region, and our heartfelt thanks goes out to our care partners in neighbouring health authorities, first responders, community volunteers and local and provincial governments. Those requiring support are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789. Watch: Residents of Lakeview Lodge return home following evacuation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gn7eYY4MVgQ Everyone is reminded to make preparations for wildfires, and smoky skies as air quality deteriorates by visiting: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/natural-disasters-and-emergencies/wildfires  Install the BC Wildfire Service mobile app (Android or iOS) or visit the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard to find information on current wildfire activity: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status The FireWork Forecast shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 48 hours: https://weather.gc.ca/firework/

Interior Health has begun to support the return of long-term care residents this weekend to the Vineyards Residence, located in Kelowna, and to Lakeview Lodge, located in West Kelowna, now that threat of wildfire associated with the Grouse Complex wildfire have been reduced. Interior Health is working with our partners in the delivery of long-term care services to keep families of residents informed as repatriation planning progresses. Repatriation will occur gradually and carefully to ensure appropriate staffing and resources are in place when residents return to their homes. Anyone wishing to confirm their loved one’s current location can call 1-833-469-9800. Hours of operation are Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Messages can be left after hours for a call back. Interior Health supported the proactive relocation of Lakeview Lodge and the Vineyards Residence residents on Aug. 18 and Aug. 20, respectively, to neighbouring communities due to wildfire activity in the Central Okanagan. One hundred and thirty-one residents are returning to Vineyards Residence, while 112 residents are returning to Lakeview Lodge. As localized alerts and evacuation orders are rescinded, a dedicated team will continue to lead the complex planning work of repatriating residents and clients to their homes. Interior Health continues to support the wildfire response in our region, and our heartfelt thanks goes out to our care partners in neighbouring health authorities, first responders, community volunteers and local and provincial governments. Those requiring support are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789. Everyone is reminded to make preparations for wildfires, and smoky skies as air quality deteriorates by visiting: Wildfires | Natural Disasters & Emergencies | IH (interiorhealth.ca) Install the BC Wildfire Service mobile app (Android or iOS) or visit the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard to find information on current wildfire activity: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status The FireWork Forecast shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 48 hours: https://weather.gc.ca/firework/

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH) due to limited physician availability. From 2-5 a.m. on Aug. 22, emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 911 for transport to the nearest available and appropriate facility.  Anyone unsure whether an emergency room visit is warranted can call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1, or visit www.HealthLinkBC.ca for non-emergency health information from nurses, dietitians and pharmacists 24 hours a day, seven days per week.  The emergency department in Oliver is normally open 24/7.

Communities across the Interior Health region are experiencing heavy impacts from wildfire smoke. People with chronic conditions, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, as well as pregnant women, infants, and young children, are most affected by wildfire smoke. The best way to protect your health from wildfire smoke is to reduce your exposure to smoke and seek cleaner air. During smoky conditions: Stay indoors: Reduce time spent outside to protect your health Reduce outdoor physical activity: Refer to the Air Quality Health Index and decrease physical exertion when air quality is poor Consider wearing a well fitted respirator if you cannot access cleaner air: Use a well fitted respirator (e.g., N95, KN95) to reduce exposure to particulate matter in smoke Activate medical management plans: Ensure your plan to self-manage any chronic diseases (e.g., respiratory and cardiovascular diseases) is in place and up-to-date, and that adequate rescue medications are available Use a home clean air shelter: Spend time in a room in your home with a portable air cleaner with HEPA filtration to reduce smoke exposure In the video below, Medical Health Officer Dr. Sue Pollock talks about air quality, tips to reduce risk and how smoke affects you: Wildfire smoke and your mental health Smoky skies can affect us physically and also make us feel anxious and stressed. There are actions we can take to help improve and manage our mental wellness through these stressful times. Manage stress: Use stress-relief techniques such as meditation or focusing on a creative outlet (e.g., journaling and art) Tap in to social networks: Having conversations and spending time with people closest to us is especially important during emergencies and disasters Take care: Eat well, exercise indoors, drink lots of water and get enough sleep Help others: Assisting others can help us regain a sense of purpose and community as we confront challenges together. The Emergency Support Services Program welcomes and relies on volunteers to coordinate support services for people forced from their homes in an emergency.  Resources Visit the BCCDC wildfire smoke webpage to learn more about the health effects of wildfire smoke, how to prepare for wildfire season, and more For other steps to create cleaner air space at home, check out Health Canada’s online resource Guidance for Cleaner Air Spaces during Wildfire Smoke Events To learn about the steps that you can take to prepare for a wildfire and manage wildfire-related issues before, during or after a wildfire please visit our wildfires webpage Call 8-1-1 or your primary care provider if you're experiencing more severe symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest pain, or 911 if it's a health emergency

As a result of a wildfire threat and evacuation alert in area, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH), Fraser Health and Interior Health (IH) have worked closely together to temporarily relocate residents of the Vineyards Residence assisted living and long-term care home in Kelowna to George Pearson Centre and Villa Cathay in Vancouver. Being evacuated so far from home can be distressing. B.C. Health Authorities are committed to providing the best continuity of care for arriving residents as well as maintaining high levels of care for current residents. VCH is partnering with IH and Fraser Health to augment staffing at George Pearson Centre and Villa Cathay to ensure a warm, welcoming and caring environment.  The wildfire emergency is impacting communities across the province. VCH and Fraser Health will continue to work with Health Emergency Management B.C. (HEMBC), IH and emergency service partners over the coming weeks to evaluate the wildfire threat and determine when residents can safely return to Vineyards Residence. To find information about a family member or loved one evacuated as a result of wildfires in the Interior Health region, a toll free number is available: 1-833-469-9800. Hours of Operation will be Monday to Friday 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. Please leave a message after-hours for a call back. VCH, Fraser Health and IH share their gratitude with staff, medical staff, and partner health organizations who have stepped up to help neighbours from B.C.’s interior during this difficult time. Vancouver Coastal Health is committed to delivering exceptional care to 1.25 million people, including the First Nations, Métis and Inuit in our region, within the traditional territories of the Heiltsuk, Kitasoo-Xai’xais, Lil’wat, Musqueam, N’Quatqua, Nuxalk, Samahquam, shíshálh, Skatin, Squamish, Tla’amin, Tsleil-Waututh, Wuikinuxv, and Xa’xtsa. Fraser Health is responsible for the delivery of hospital and community-based health services to over 1.9 million people in 20 diverse communities from Burnaby to Fraser Canyon on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Coast Salish and Nlaka’pamux Nations, and is home to six Métis Chartered Communities. Interior Health supports the health and well-being of more than 834,000 people across a vast region of 215,000 square kilometres located on the ancestral, unceded, and traditional territories of the seven Interior Region First Nations: Dãkelh Dené, St’át’imc, Syilx, Tŝilhqot’in, Ktunaxa, Secwépemc, and Nlaka’pamux Nations where we live, learn, collaborate and work together.

Chase, BC - Interior Health (IH) is responding to additional fire-related impacts to a seniors care facility in Chase. Parkside Community is on evacuation alert due to the Lower East Adams Lake Wildfire and Interior Health has evacuated the site. Fifty-three individuals in assisted living care were moved to appropriate alternate facilities in Kamloops and the surrounding area during the evening of Aug. 18. Interior Health has been in the process of contacting families directly to update them on the location of their loved one. Care facility partners determine the timeline for evacuations with IH providing support for specific requests such as transportation or beds. These evacuations are in addition to the relocation of individuals from eight other facilities within Interior Health and those evacuations are outlined in the table below. IH has also established a phone line where families can receive updates on the location of their loved ones. That number is: 1-833-469-9800. Hours of Operation will be Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please leave a message afterhours for a call back. Anyone requiring emergency care should contact 911 or proceed to Royal Inland Hospital or the closest Urgent and Primary Care Centres as needed. IH is also ensuring community clients continue to have access to the health services they need regardless of their location. Additional evacuations of people at seniors care facilities in other parts of the health region since Aug, 17 have included: Site Name and Location Number of Residents Type of Facility Operator The Highlands Retirement Residence - Kelowna 30 Seniors Living Caretenders Retirement Living Brandt’s Creek Mews – Kelowna 98 Long Term Care AgeCare Glenmore Lodge - Kelowna 115 Long Term Care Sienna Senior Living Lake Country Lodge Retirement and Care Community – Lake Country 48 Long Term Care Sienna Senior Living Lakeview Lodge Community - West Kelowna 112 Long Term Care Sienna Senior Living The Vineyards Residence – Kelowna 126 Assisted Living and Long Term Care Sussex Retirement Village at Smith Creek – West Kelowna 186 Independent, Assisted Living, Long Term Care Baptist Housing Seniors Living   Brookhaven Care Centre – West Kelowna 95 Long Term Care Interior Health No other sites are impacted at this time. However, this remains a rapidly evolving situation and we are working closely with the municipality, regional district and the BC Wildfire Service to ensure precautions are underway to protect patients, clients, and individuals in long-term care. More information about the local wildfire response, including evacuation orders and alerts, is available on the regional district website. Those requiring support during this crisis are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789. Interior Health also continues to monitor other wildfire activity across the region. Everyone is reminded to make preparations for wildfires, and smoky skies as air quality deteriorates by visiting: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/wildfires Install the BC Wildfire Service mobile app (Android or iOS) or visit the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard to find information on current wildfire activity: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status The FireWork Forecast shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 48 hours: https://weather.gc.ca/firework/. We will provide updates as new information is available.

Interior Health (IH) is responding to additional fire-related impacts to seniors care facilities in the Kelowna/West Kelowna area. To ensure the safety of individuals in care as well as the staff and physicians supporting them, IH is working with partners and has recommended its care facility partners evacuate the following locations: Site Name and Location Number of Residents Type of Facility Operator The Highlands Retirement Residence - Kelowna 30 Seniors Living Caretenders Retirement Living Brandt’s Creek Mews 98 Long Term Care AgeCare Glenmore Lodge - Kelowna 115 Long Term Care Sienna Senior Living Lake Country Lodge Retirement and Care Community – Lake Country 48 Long Term Care Sienna Senior Living Lakeview Lodge Community - West Kelowna 112 Long Term Care Sienna Senior Living The Vineyards Residence 126 Assisted Living and Long Term Care Sussex Retirement Village at Smith Creek – West Kelowna 186 Independent, Assisted Living, Long Term Care Baptist Housing Seniors Living   Care facility partners will determine the timeline for evacuations with IH providing support for specific requests such as transportation or beds. These evacuations are in addition to the relocation of 95 individuals from Interior Health’s Brookhaven Care Centre on the evening of August 17. IH has also established a phone line where families can receive updates on the location of their loved ones. That number is: 1-833-469-9800. Hours of Operation will be Monday to Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Please leave a message afterhours for a call back. No other sites are impacted at this time. Anyone requiring emergency care should contact 911 or proceed to Kelowna General Hospital or local Urgent and Primary Care Centres as needed. IH is also ensuring community clients continue to have access to the health services they need regardless of their location. This remains a rapidly evolving situation and we are working closely with the municipality, regional district and the BC Wildfire Service to ensure precautions are underway to protect patients, clients, and individuals in long-term care. More information about the local wildfire response, including evacuation orders and alerts, is available on the regional district website. Those requiring support during this crisis are encouraged to call the BC Crisis Line at 310-6789. Interior Health also continues to monitor other wildfire activity across the region. Everyone is reminded to make preparations for wildfires, and smoky skies as air quality deteriorates by visiting: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/wildfires Install the BC Wildfire Service mobile app (Android or iOS) or visit the BC Wildfire Service Dashboard to find information on current wildfire activity: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/safety/wildfire-status The FireWork Forecast shows maps of predicted smoke impacts over the next 48 hours:https://weather.gc.ca/firework/. We will provide updates as new information is available.