People in Nelson and nearby communities now have improved access to care with the opening of the Nelson community health campus. “This new health campus is a powerful example of how investing in infrastructure strengthens communities,” said Bowinn Ma, Minister of Infrastructure. “By bringing modern, culturally inclusive health-care facilities to Nelson, we’re not only improving access to care for people of all ages, we’re also creating good local jobs and supporting the long-term well-being of the region.” Located on the old Mount St. Francis hospital site, the Nelson community health campus features a new building with two towers designed to better serve residents: Fairview Gardens, a 75-bed long-term care home The Community Health Services Centre, which provides a wide range of community-based health services “The Nelson community health campus brings together long-term care, community programs and culturally safe services in one welcoming space, making it easier for people to get the supports they need,” said Josie Osborne, Minister of Health. “This facility helps to ensure people in Nelson and the surrounding region have care they can count on, in a place rooted in connection and community.” Nelson Fairview Gardens features a modern, resident-centred design with private rooms, cosy “neighbourhoods” named after local trees, and safe outdoor spaces where residents can feel comfortable and cared for. “In bringing community programs and long-term care together under one roof, Interior Health is enhancing person-centred care and strengthening connections between health services, the community and our dedicated care teams,” said Sylvia Weir, interim president and CEO, Interior Health. “This new modern campus is a vital asset that supports the important work our health-care teams provide to clients, seniors, Elders and the broader community in Nelson and area.” The Community Health Services Centre provides a wide range of community-based health services, all within a modern, welcoming facility. Services such as public health, home care, early childhood development and mental-health support are now in one convenient location, making it easier for people to get the care they need. “The opening of these 75 beds will mean a safe place to live much sooner for frail seniors living at risk in the community, and much-needed decongestion of our hospital and emergency department,” said Dr. Trevor Janz, medical director for long-term care, Interior Health East. “Our geriatric/palliative care team of doctors are already working with the nursing team and care staff to ensure a high standard of medical and comfort care for all our new residents, to promote their best possible quality of life.” With guidance from the Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Services Society Collaborative, the campus features Indigenous language, artwork, welcome wall and signage from the Ktunaxa, syilx, Métis and Inuit, to support cultural safety and inclusion for all care seekers and to honour the territory on which the facility is located. The entire campus is designed to support collaborative, high-quality, culturally safer care for people of all ages and backgrounds. The campus, at 902 11th St., opened in phases, with the Community Health Services Centre officially opening on Aug. 12, 2025, and Fairview Gardens scheduled to open in September 2025. This project was a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Health, Interior Health, West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District, Columbia Basin Trust and Golden Life Management. Interior Health will lease and operate the facility. The estimated capital cost to make the building operational for health-care services is approximately $20.6 million, including $4.8 million from the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District. Quotes: Brittny Anderson, MLA for Kootenay Central – “The opening of the Nelson community health campus is a milestone for our community. This centre brings essential health services closer to home, ensuring people of all ages in Nelson and surrounding areas receive the care they need in a welcoming and modern environment. It’s a true investment in the health and future of our community. I am grateful to the community members who were the trailblazers on this project.” Susie Chant, parliamentary secretary for seniors’ services and long-term care – “Every senior deserves to live in comfort, dignity and safety, surrounded by care they can trust. Nelson Fairview Gardens will provide a home-like setting with private rooms, welcoming spaces and dedicated staff who are committed to supporting residents’ health and quality of life.” Debra Toporowski, parliamentary secretary for rural health – “For people in rural and smaller communities, accessing care can often mean long travel or difficult choices. This new health campus helps change that. By bringing a wide range of services together, we’re making sure people in Nelson and nearby areas have the care they need, close to home.” Everett Baker, board chair, West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District – “The Nelson community health campus is an important investment in essential medical infrastructure that will bring lasting benefits to our residents. This project reflects the West Kootenay-Boundary Regional Hospital District’s commitment to using resources to address critical community needs, while supporting the health, safety and well-being of our community.” Endre Lillejord, CEO, Golden Life Management – “Golden Life is proud to have designed and built this landmark health campus for the people of Nelson. We know from experience that thoughtful design is not just about bricks and mortar, it directly shapes dignity, safety and quality of life for residents and families. From the private rooms and neighbourhood-style living at Fairview Gardens to the welcoming spaces in the Community Health Services Centre, every detail was created to foster comfort, connection and care.” Johnny Strilaeff, president and CEO, Columbia Basin Trust – “The Nelson community health campus shows what’s possible when we work together to strengthen communities. It not only gives residents better access to care close to home, it also creates good local jobs and supports the regional economy. The trust is proud to have helped bring this project to life, supporting both the health and prosperity of the basin.” Learn More: To read the funding announcement for this project, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2022HLTH0166-001119 To learn more about Interior Health, visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/ To learn more about the Kootenay Boundary Aboriginal Services Society Collaborative, visit:  http://www.kbasc.org/ Read original release on BC Gov News

New Denver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Slocan Community Health Centre.   Emergency services will be unavailable immediately until 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. Patients can access care at Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp during this time. Emergency services are expected to resume as scheduled at 8 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 4, 2025. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 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. 

People throughout the Interior are reminded to stay safe from the impacts of poor air quality due to wildfire smoke in the region. The Province of British Columbia has issued air quality warnings for multiple areas across Interior Health.  Those 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.  Learn more about health in smoky conditions with Deputy Chief, Medical Health Officer, Dr. Sue Pollock.   During smoky conditions:  Stay indoors: Reduce time spent outside to protect your health.  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. If you do not have access to this at home, you can find a location in your local community to take shelter in such as your community recreation centre or public library during periods of poor air quality.   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 into 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 guidance on outdoor physical activity in smoky conditions, refer to the Air Quality Health Index or the University of Northern British Columbia’s local monitoring resource.    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 9-1-1 if it's a health emergency. 

New Denver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Slocan Community Health Centre.   Emergency services will be unavailable now until 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2025. Patients can access care at Arrow Lakes Hospital in Nakusp during this time. Emergency services are expected to resume as scheduled at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2025. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 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.

Environment and Climate Change Canada has issued an updated heat warning for the Boundary, South and North Thompson and Fraser Canyon areas in the Interior Health and Fraser Health regions from Sept. 2 to Sept. 5, 2025. View the map of the heat warning area here. With elevated temperatures, the risk of heat-related illness increases.  Everyone is at risk of heat-related illness, but hot temperatures can be especially dangerous for seniors (ages 65 years or older); infants and young children; pregnant people; people with chronic health conditions and mental illnesses; people who work outdoors; and people who live alone or are socially isolated, homeless, or unsheltered. More details about extreme heat, including symptoms of heat-related illness and those most at risk, are available on the IH's Extreme Heat page and IH YouTube channel. When to call 9-1-1: In cases of heat stroke: severe headache, loss of consciousness, disorientation, confusion, severe nausea or vomiting or very dark urine or no urine. In general, regardless of hot weather: 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, signs of an overdose or a major trauma. If you have a less urgent health concern: You can call HealthLinkBC at 8-1-1 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. In the Fraser Health region, call Fraser Health Virtual Care at 1-800-314-0999 to speak with a registered nurse from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. seven-days-a-week.  Steps to protect yourself, and those around you from heat-related illness: Keep your home cool by: Opening windows when the outdoor temperature goes down below the indoor temperature at night and if the air quality is safe Shut windows and close curtains/blinds to keep cooler air in and the sun out Avoid making meals using the oven For those who qualify, free portable air conditioners are available through FortisBC and BC Hydro.  Important: If you are experiencing extreme heat during an air quality advisory, prioritize cooling down. Heat is typically more dangerous than short-term exposure to poor air quality. Keep your body cool by: Wearing a damp towel or shirt Taking a cool bath or shower Putting an ice tray in front of a fan Using a personal mister or spray bottle Drinking lots or water Lowering your activity level and avoiding intense activities Important: While fans can help you feel more comfortable, they do not work to lower body temperature at temperatures over 35C. Do your best to take care of high-risk individuals by: Visiting them to check the indoor temperature of their home Encouraging them to take cool baths and sleep in their coolest room, such as the basement Invite them to your house if you have air conditioning Never leave children, dependent adults or pets alone in a parked car. Leaving windows open will not help. Back to school safety Children are not always able to recognize how heat events can affect them: Ensure they stay hydrated with plenty of water. Apply sunscreen throughout the day; wear hats, sunglasses, and light weight clothing in breathable materials. Avoid being outside at the hottest parts of the day (approximately 3 p.m.) Seek shade, air-conditioned spaces such as community centres or libraries, splash pads, water parks or pools. Resources: Watch: Keeping Kids Cool Watch: Heat Inside the home School Safety  Keep up to date on weather alerts and information: Download the WeatherCAN app Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) live map  The BC Centre for Disease Control provides a broad range of heat-related guidance, 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.   More information can also be found in B.C.’s Extreme Heat Preparedness Guide and fraserhealth.ca/sunsafety.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital.   Emergency services will be unavailable from 1 p.m. on Sept. 1 to 7 a.m. on Sept. 2, 2025. Patients can access emergency care at Penticton Regional Hospital in Penticton 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.

Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital. Emergency services will be unavailable from 10 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 28 to 7 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 29, 2025. Patients can access emergency care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or 100 Mile House District General Hospital during this time. All other inpatient services will continue at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital. People in the community who need life-threatening emergency care (i.e., chest pains, difficulty breathing, severe bleeding) should always call 9-1-1 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.