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Grand Forks and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Boundary District Hospital (BDH) due to unexpected limited physician availability. This change is not related to current wildfire activity in the Interior. From 12 a.m. to 8 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 19, emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital in Trail, Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson or South Okanagan General Hospital in Oliver. 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 Grand Forks is normally open 24/7.

Interior Health is responding to fire-related impacts to health facilities and clients in West Kelowna. Brookhaven Care Centre is not currently on evacuation order as a result of the McDougall Creek Wildfire, however, given its close proximity to the evacuation order area and out of an abundance of caution, Interior Health has evacuated the site. 95 individuals in care are being moved to appropriate alternate facilities in the Kelowna and Summerland areas. Interior Health is contacting families directly to update them on the location of their loved one. No other sites are impacted at this time. Anyone requiring emergency care should proceed to the hospital as needed. Interior Health is also ensuring community clients continue to have access to the services they need. This is an 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.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH) due to unexpected limited physician availability.  From 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 14 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 15 emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital. During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at South Okanagan General 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.  

Environment Canada continues to adjust heat warnings in the Interior Health region due to daytime temperatures in the mid to high 30 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 18 degrees Celsius. No extreme heat emergencies have been declared at this time. Please check the Environment Canada website for updates on heat warnings in your area. Interior Health is reminding people that elevated temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illness. The BC Centre for Disease Control provides a broad range of heat-related guidance on its website, including information on the different types of heat alerts, how to prepare for hot temperatures, symptoms of heat-related illnesses, those most at risk during hot weather and ways to stay cool.  Preparing for and responding to hot weather: If you have air conditioning at home, make sure it is in good working order and turn it on If you do not have air conditioning at home: Find somewhere you can cool off on hot days. Consider places in your community to spend time indoors such as libraries, community centres, movie theatres or malls. Also, as temperatures may be hotter inside than outside, consider outdoor spaces with lots of shade and running water.  Shut windows and close curtains and blinds during the heat of the day to block the sun and prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside. Open doors and windows when it is cooler outside to move that air indoors.  Ensure that you have a working fan, but do not rely on fans as your primary means of cooling. Fans can be used to draw cooler late-evening, overnight and early-morning air indoors. Keep track of temperatures in your home using a thermostat or thermometer. Sustained indoor temperatures over 31 C can be dangerous for people who are susceptible to heat. If your home gets very hot, consider staying with a friend or relative who has air conditioning if possible Identify people who may be at high risk for heat-related illness. If possible, help them prepare for heat and plan to check in on them.  Who is most at risk? Everyone is susceptible to heat-related illness. It is important to monitor yourself, family members, neighbours and friends during hot weather. Consider developing a check-in system for friends, family, and neighbours who are at high risk of heat-related illness.  Those who are at highest risk include: Older adults, especially those over 60 People who live alone  People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease  People with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety  People with substance use disorders  People with limited mobility and other disabilities People who are marginally housed  People who work in hot environments  People who are pregnant  Infants and young children Your health: Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty Spray your body with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath or sit with part of your body in water to cool down Take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day Stay in the shade and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more Take immediate action to cool down if you are overheating. Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache and dizziness. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest and use water to cool your body.  Signs of heat stroke include loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting and very dark urine or no urine. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. However, it is important to use 911 responsibly to avoid overwhelming the system.  When to call 911: In cases of heat stroke: Loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting or very dark urine or no urine. In general: When there is chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe burns, choking, convulsions that are not stopping, a drowning, a severe allergic reaction, a head injury, signs of a stroke or a major trauma. If you have a less urgent health issue: You can call HealthLinkBC at 811 and speak with a nurse or go to an urgent care centre or clinic if you can do so safely. That way, our emergency medical dispatch staff and paramedics will be available for people who need their services the most. There are also online tools at healthlinkbc.ca, including a “Check Your Symptoms” tool

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued a heat warning for the southern Fraser Canyon including the community of Lytton. Daytime temperatures reaching 35 to 38 degrees Celsius combined with overnight lows near 18 degrees Celsius are forecasted for the next five days from Sunday, August 13 to Thursday, August 17. This is not an extreme heat emergency. Interior Health is reminding people that elevated temperatures increase the risk of heat-related illness. The BC Centre for Disease Control provides a broad range of heat-related guidance on its website, including information on the different types of heat alerts, how to prepare for hot temperatures, symptoms of heat-related illnesses, those most at risk during hot weather and ways to stay cool.  Preparing for and responding to hot weather: If you have air conditioning at home, make sure it is in good working order and turn it on If you do not have air conditioning at home: Find somewhere you can cool off on hot days. Consider places in your community to spend time indoors such as libraries, community centres, movie theatres or malls. Also, as temperatures may be hotter inside than outside, consider outdoor spaces with lots of shade and running water.  Shut windows and close curtains and blinds during the heat of the day to block the sun and prevent hotter outdoor air from coming inside. Open doors and windows when it is cooler outside to move that air indoors.  Ensure that you have a working fan, but do not rely on fans as your primary means of cooling. Fans can be used to draw cooler late-evening, overnight and early-morning air indoors. Keep track of temperatures in your home using a thermostat or thermometer. Sustained indoor temperatures over 31 C can be dangerous for people who are susceptible to heat. If your home gets very hot, consider staying with a friend or relative who has air conditioning if possible Identify people who may be at high risk for heat-related illness. If possible, help them prepare for heat and plan to check in on them.  Who is most at risk? Everyone is susceptible to heat-related illness. It is important to monitor yourself, family members, neighbours and friends during hot weather. Consider developing a check-in system for friends, family, and neighbours who are at high risk of heat-related illness.  Those who are at highest risk include: Older adults, especially those over 60 People who live alone  People with pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease or respiratory disease  People with mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, depression or anxiety  People with substance use disorders  People with limited mobility and other disabilities People who are marginally housed  People who work in hot environments  People who are pregnant  Infants and young children Your health: Drink plenty of water and other liquids to stay hydrated, even if you are not thirsty Spray your body with water, wear a damp shirt, take a cool shower or bath or sit with part of your body in water to cool down Take it easy, especially during the hottest hours of the day Stay in the shade and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or more Take immediate action to cool down if you are overheating. Signs of overheating include feeling unwell, headache and dizziness. Overheating can lead to heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, severe headache, muscle cramps, extreme thirst and dark urine. If you are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek a cooler environment, drink plenty of water, rest and use water to cool your body.  Signs of heat stroke include loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting and very dark urine or no urine. Heat stroke is a medical emergency. In the event of a medical emergency, call 911. However, it is important to use 911 responsibly to avoid overwhelming the system.  When to call 911: In cases of heat stroke: Loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting or very dark urine or no urine. In general: When there is chest pain, difficulty breathing, loss of consciousness, severe burns, choking, convulsions that are not stopping, a drowning, a severe allergic reaction, a head injury, signs of a stroke or a major trauma. If you have a less urgent health issue: You can call HealthLinkBC at 811 and speak with a nurse or go to an urgent care centre or clinic if you can do so safely. That way, our emergency medical dispatch staff and paramedics will be available for people who need their services the most. There are also online tools at healthlinkbc.ca, including a “Check Your Symptoms” tool  

Interior Health (IH) is proud to announce the opening of a new interventional radiology (IR) suite at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH), which will benefit patients from across the health authority. This new suite is designed to offer minimally invasive procedures for the diagnosis, treatment of various medical conditions such as: Problems with blood vessels, such as blood clots Cancer care Inserting intravenous tubes deep into the body to deliver medicine Procedures to stop internal bleeding Supporting patients with kidney disease  "Interventional radiology is a transformative medical discipline that merges cutting-edge imaging technology with minimally invasive procedures, empowering physicians to precisely target and treat diseases with unparalleled precision and effectiveness," said Dr. Kevin Beckner, Medical Imaging Medical Director, Interior Health. “Advancements in IR have significantly reduced risk, pain, recovery and the use of general anesthesia, while also providing a less expensive option to surgery or other alternatives.” Since installation of the previous IR equipment at KGH in 2009, the practice of IR has evolved, with new procedures now being performed on an outpatient basis so fewer patients require a hospital stay. Equipped with the latest and most advanced IR technology, the suite represents a significant leap forward in patient care and sets the stage for future advancements in this type of service. The new IR suite cost $9.6 million of which the KGH Foundation contributed $4.7 million, the Province through Interior Health $3.1 million and the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District $1.8 million. “There are many good stories to share about how the community continues to support advancements at KGH and this is one of them,” said Allison Young, CEO, KGH Foundation. “The opening of the new IR suite is great news. It means access to state-of-the-art equipment to provide quality care to patients. We, along with our interventional radiology teams, are thrilled.” Thanks to KGH Foundation’s generous donors, the funds raised through the Every Moment Matters campaign will ensure shorter stays for patients. The IR suite investment was part of a significant $8 million commitment by the KGH Foundation in 2021. "The unveiling of the new IR suite is a significant leap forward in patient care at KGH, using precise imaging to administer effective treatments," said Gord Milsom, vice-chair, Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District. “Our region’s funding commitment for this project underscores the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District’s dedication to health and well-being. We know this suite will deliver high-quality medical services, helping prevent disease and improve quality of life for residents within our Central Okanagan community.”

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH) due to unexpected limited physician availability. From 6 p.m. tonight, Sunday, July 30, to 8 a.m. Monday, July 31, 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.  All other inpatient services will continue as normal at SOGH during the temporary interruption to emergency department services. 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.

Interior Health is advising people who use N’Kwala (Nicola) Lake, Spaxomin (Douglas) Lake and/or Chapperon Lake that there is a risk of exposure to cyanobacterial toxin due to the presence of blue-green algae blooms on these lakes. Water samples taken on July 26 from each lake tested positive for the cyanobacterial toxin. Cyanobacteria can produce several types of toxin that can be poisonous to people, pets and livestock.   Exposure to cyanobacteria toxin can occur through ingestion of or contact with contaminated water.   A list of current beach closures can be found on the IH public website here. Lake users are advised to not use the water in these lakes at this time: If you obtain drinking water from the lake, you should use an alternate source, such as bottled water. Boiling the water will not remove the toxin. Do not swim in the water and avoid contact with the water by avoiding recreational activities such as, boating and waterskiing. If your skin is exposed to contaminated water, rinse off with clean water immediately. Use an alternate source of drinking water for pets and livestock.  Exposure to the toxins can result in symptoms that are visible shortly after exposure including dizziness, cramps, diarrhea, skin rash and mouth blisters (from ingestion). If you show symptoms that may be linked to cyanobacteria exposure, contact your physician. For more information please see Cyanobacteria Blooms (Blue-green Algae) | HealthLink BC Algae blooms can remain in a water body for weeks to months. Once the bloom is no longer present and two consecutive sets of samples do not show the presence of cyanobacteria toxin, Interior Health will review any beach closures and/or advisories.   To report other algae blooms please visit the provincial Algae Watch page.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital (SOGH) due to unexpected limited physician availability. From 6 p.m. tonight, Monday, July 24 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, July 25, emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital. During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at South Okanagan General 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.