Today, people in the interior of British Columbia are benefiting from increased access to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) exams and shorter wait times with the opening of two new, state-of-the-art MRI machines and an expanded medical imaging department at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH). “With shorter wait times, enhanced privacy and improved quality of care, patients can feel more supported and confident in their health journey,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This investment will ensure that people in Kelowna have timely access to high-quality diagnostic services, leading to better health outcomes for patients and helping to save lives.”  A new, single-storey building was added to the existing KGH Medical Imaging (MI) department to accommodate a new 3T MRI scanner and 1.5T MRI replacement scanner. The technology embedded into these MRI scanners makes them quicker, while providing exceptional image quality. The incorporation of artificial intelligence (AI) has further increased exam speed and improved workflows. “Interior Health is delivering on its commitment to significantly improve access to MRI exams for people in our region,” said Susan Brown, president and CEO, Interior Health. “The new MRI machines at Kelowna General Hospital will be able to perform up to 15,000 MRI exams annually, operating 17 hours a day, seven days a week.”  With phase 1 of the KGH MI department expansion project complete, phase 2 is set to begin in early May. Phase 2 includes renovation of the existing department, removal of the existing 1.5T MRI machine and upgrades to the patient/visitor waiting room. Completion is estimated in early 2026. “The Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District is proud to support the expansion of Kelowna General Hospital's Medical Imaging department,” said Tom Dyas, Chair of the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District. "The addition of state-of-the-art MRI machines will significantly enhance the quality of health care in our community, ensuring timely and accurate diagnoses, better treatment outcomes, and improved health care for everyone in the Central Okanagan region." "Because of the support of donors, more patients will benefit from faster, more precise imaging, leading to earlier diagnoses and better treatment options,” said Allison Young, CEO, KGH Foundation. “This kind generosity is changing lives and we are profoundly grateful to the community.”  MRI machines are used to diagnose medical conditions such as abnormalities of the brain, as well as tumours, cysts and soft-tissue injuries in other parts of the body. These state-of-the-art units have the ability to diagnose complex conditions, such as neurological disease, certain heart diseases and some cancers. MRIs can help facilitate early diagnosis and treatment of medical conditions, vastly improving a person’s quality of life. KGH medical imaging services are available by referral seven days a week, 17 hours a day (7 a.m. to 12 a.m.).  The estimated project cost is $37.8 million with the Central Okanagan Regional Hospital District contributing $13.4 million and the KGH Foundation contributing $4.3 million. To learn more, watch the Interior Health video here.

Interior Health (IH) today announced that Susan Brown, President & Chief Executive Officer (CEO), has informed the Board of Directors of her decision to retire by the end of 2025, concluding 14 years with the organization, seven as CEO. “On behalf of British Columbians, I extend our deepest appreciation to Susan for her leadership and dedication to serving patients and communities during her 34-year career in the provincial health system,” said Minister of Health, Josie Osborne. “From her first days as a nurse in the emergency department at Vancouver General Hospital to her current role at the helm of Interior Health Authority, Susan’s lifetime of service has made a lasting impact to patients and their families across the province.” Innovation has been a constant focus under Susan’s leadership, where she has supported and nurtured both small and large innovations. These include opening the first Urgent and Primary Care Centre in B.C. in Kamloops in 2018 and, since then, 10 more, with the latest in February in Williams Lake. The addition of new specialized cardiac and stroke services at Kelowna General Hospital and the approval of the Kamloops Cancer Centre under Susan’s leadership will continue to support patients getting the care they need closer to home, while her vision and co-creation of the Centre for Health System Learning & Innovation will support continued research and innovation for decades to come. Under Susan’s leadership, IH advanced its work to embed cultural safety and anti-racism in the organization in pursuit of improved health outcomes for the 54 First Nations and 14 chartered Métis communities in the region. “During a time of profound uncertainty, through the COVID-19 pandemic and several natural disasters in the interior, Susan has been an extraordinary leader and a force for positive change; her leadership and presence enabled the continuation of high-quality patient care while keeping people throughout the interior safe,” said Dr. Robert Halpenny, Chair, Interior Health Board of Directors. Susan will continue to serve as CEO through December 2025 while the Board of Directors immediately begins recruiting the next President & CEO.    

Lillooet and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre. Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 23 to 8 a.m. on Thursday, April 24, 2025. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.  All other inpatient services will continue at Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre.   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. 

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable from 8 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22 to 7 a.m. on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Patients can access emergency care in Penticton Regional Hospital during this time. All other inpatient services will continue 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.   

Please see the attached document to learn more about the look, contamination, and risk associated with the current drug alert.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable from 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 to 7 a.m. on Thursday, April 17, 2025. Patients can access emergency care in Penticton Regional Hospital during this time. All other inpatient services will continue 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.

Lillooet and area residents are advised of temporary changes to the emergency department hours at Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre. Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 15 to 8 a.m. on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.  All other inpatient services will continue at Lillooet 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. 

Patients across Interior Health (IH) will soon benefit from less invasive surgery as Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) introduces leading-edge Robotic-Assisted Surgery (RAS) technology for minimally invasive surgery. Laparoscopic tools will be connected to a surgeon-controlled robot, providing three-dimensional (3D) visualization and enhanced range of motion and control.  “When someone goes for surgery, it can be a stressful time with a lot of unknowns. This new innovation at Kelowna General Hospital will mean greater precision for certain surgeries, helping to reduce pain and blood loss,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “It also means quicker recovery times, so people can get back to their regular lives sooner.” The use of a robot for surgeries will be a first at IH and used for more complex urology, colorectal, and thoracic surgeries at KGH. Extensive planning to expand regional access to this technology will be undertaken this year. “Today’s announcement marks an exciting new chapter of innovation at Interior Health, and a bold step forward into the future for the communities we passionately serve across BC’s interior,” said Susan Brown, IH President & CEO. “In a fiscally challenging environment, these strategic investments in leading-edge surgical technology will provide patients with the highest quality and most effective care possible while supporting the recruitment and retention of skilled health-care professionals.” “The RAS technology provides greater precision for certain surgeries, allowing us to complete more difficult surgeries, including cancer surgeries, while reducing complications, pain and blood loss,” explained KGH thoracic surgeon Dr. Maurice Blitz. The investment is projected to be up to $12 million and IH is appreciative that the KGH Foundation has committed to fundraising $6M.  “We are deeply grateful to our donors and partners with their support of what’s possible in health care for the Southern Interior,” says Allison Young, CEO of the KGH Foundation. “With the support of our community, we will ensure our families, friends, and neighbours have access to world-class surgical care—right here at home.” The robot is expected to be live by late 2025 following procurement and training. To learn more about RAS, watch the Interior Health video here.   To learn how you can get involved, visit the KGH Foundation.

UPDATE: Lillooet and area residents are advised that Interior Health has secured staffing coverage for tonight at Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre. The emergency department is open effective immediately. Lillooet and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Lillooet Hospital and Health Centre. Emergency services will be unavailable from 7 p.m. on Monday, April 14 to 8 a.m. Tuesday, April 15, 2025. Patients can access emergency care in Royal Inland Hospital during this time. All other inpatient services will continue at Lillooet 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.