Interior Health is celebrating a significant milestone in the provision of medical care in the North Okanagan, as this year marks the 125th anniversary of Vernon Jubilee Hospital (VJH). In 1897, the original “Cottage Hospital” opened in a house on 28th Avenue and health-care teams have provided treatment and care for people throughout the region ever since. “Vernon Jubilee Hospital has been home to amazing health-care workers that have provided public health-care to generations of families in the community and the area,” said Adrian Dix, Minister of Health. “I wish everyone involved with VJH a happy 125th anniversary and look forward to the years and decades ahead.” “I am so proud to have a background of 17 years of nursing and to have worked alongside the amazing team at the Vernon Jubilee Hospital. I have seen first-hand how VJH staff go above and beyond to make a difference in the lives of patients and families, even in the face of challenges. Every day I bring this perspective to my role as MLA, and work to strengthen our health-care system for British Columbians. I wish everyone a very happy 125th anniversary of VJH and thank you for all that you do,” says Harwinder Sandhu, MLA for Vernon-Monashee. “A great deal has changed over the past 125 years, for both Vernon Jubilee Hospital and for health care itself. What remains constant is the dedication to quality care demonstrated every day by the physicians and staff at VJH. They are exemplary, and we celebrate this momentous anniversary alongside them,” says Susan Brown, Interior Health’s President and CEO. The Cottage Hospital opened with just four staff according to accounts in A Century of Caring 1897-1997: The Story of Vernon Jubilee Hospital and of Men and Women Who Have Made Its History by Daphne Thuillier and in Vernon News articles. A Hospital Society spearheaded the purchase of the house for $2,000. The hospital moved to its current location at 2101 32nd St. in 1909 on land donated by Samuel Polson, on the traditional unceded territory of the Syilx people. That facility included an operating room, hot water heating and telephone service. X-ray service was added in 1912, and a laboratory was added in 1938. Over the years, the hospital expanded its footprint and services – the North Tower opened in 1949; the Centennial Wing was added in 1968; the Polson Extended Care Annex opened in 1982; and the South Tower followed in 1983. In 2011, the Polson Tower opened with expanded ambulatory care and outpatient clinics, new ambulance space, a new maternity and pediatrics unit with direct links to operating rooms, and new intensive care and coronary care units. In 2016, medical inpatient units were added on the sixth and seventh floors, and in 2019 came a fifth operating room and new MRI. Today, nearly 1,700 staff and physicians work at VJH, serving a population of about 93,720 people including First Nations communities and Métis peoples. “Vernon Jubilee has a long, proud history – it is the heart of the community,” says Richard Harding, executive director for clinical operations in Interior Health’s North Okanagan. “I’m especially proud of the health-care teams who provide such excellent care. The last two years of the pandemic have been challenging, but every day they gave – and continue to give – their best to patients and their families. We know from the messages we’ve received how much people are grateful for the care they’ve received from our staff and physicians.” Harding also expressed gratitude to the community for its ongoing support of the hospital. Interior Health continues to plan for expansion of services in the North Okanagan, and he said the cooperation of the community, including the VJH Foundation and North Okanagan Columbia Shuswap Regional Hospital District, has been vital to that work. “Teamwork and collaboration is the key to our success,” Harding said. “We look forward to continuing to work with all our partners, including physicians and staff, the Shuswap North Okanagan Division of Family Practice, Aboriginal partners, contracted service partners and local government partners, to provide high-quality health care to everyone in the North Okanagan region.”

Interior Health is adding new evening and weekend vaccine clinics to provide easy access for parents to get their kids vaccinated against COVID-19. “Vaccines for children are safe and effective and I encourage all families to get their children vaccinated against COVID-19,” said Dr. Carol Fenton, medical health officer with Interior Health. “Our vaccine rates for children are lower than we’d like to see in some areas. Getting vaccinated now will help protect your children throughout summer activities.” Parents and/or guardians can book an appointment for children aged 5-11 by registering online at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca or by calling 1-833-838-2323. Once registered, an invitation to book an appointment will be sent. The new evening and weekend clinics are: Kelowna: Age 5-11 Only – Community Health & Services Centre Saturday, June 18: 8:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. Nelson: Age 5-11 Only – Nelson Health Centre Monday, June 27: 3:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. Monday, July 4: 3:15 p.m. – 6 p.m. Vernon: Age 5-11 Only – Vernon Health Unit Thursday, June 30: 3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. Thursday, July 7: 3 p.m. – 5:50 p.m. Penticton: Age 5-11 Only – Penticton Health Centre Wednesday, June 22: 2:50 p.m. – 6:20 p.m. Revelstoke: All Ages – Queen Victoria Hospital Saturday, June 25: 9:10 a.m. – 4:10 p.m. In addition to these clinics, Interior Health has ongoing vaccine clinics in communities throughout the region. Dates and locations for clinics for 5-11 year olds are available online and pharmacies have appointments for people 12 and older. When booking an appointment, people will be able to choose from a list of locations with available appointments. People 12 and older can book an appointment for their first, second and booster dose at a clinic near them. Booster doses are available once it has been six months after the second dose and people will be invited to book their appointment. Second booster doses are available for people who are 70+ or Indigenous people 55+ and they will be invited to book an appointment after it has been six months since their first booster dose. For more information about COVID-19, such as immunization, where to find rapid antigen tests, and information for visitors to a health-care facility or long-term care, please visit: https://www.interiorhealth.ca/health-and-wellness/disease-outbreaks/covid-19

Due to limited physician availability, residents of the 100 Mile House area are advised that the Emergency Department at 100 Mile District General Hospital will be closed from: 7 p.m. on June 15 until 8 a.m. on June 16 Residents are advised of the following when the emergency department is closed: In the event of an emergency, call 9-1-1. Visit the emergency department at one of the following facilities: Cariboo Memorial Hospital –  517 North, 6 Ave N, Williams Lake Royal Inland Hospital – 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24-hour service) if you are unsure of your need to seek emergency care. Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations in 100 Mile House. All efforts were made to fill this shift and active recruitment for additional physicians to support emergency department services in 100 Mile is ongoing.

Please see the attached document to learn more about the look, contamination, and risk associated with the current drug alert.  View more toxic drug, environmental, and COVID-19 alerts

Clearwater and area residents are advised of a temporary change to the emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital due to unforeseen limited staffing availability.The emergency department will be closed:  ·       5 p.m. Sunday, June 12 to 7 a.m. Monday, June 13 Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations and reminds residents to take note of the following if they require care while the emergency department is closed: •        In the event of an emergency, call 911. •        Visit the emergency department at one of the following facilities: o    Royal Inland Hospital – 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops o    Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24 hour service) if you are unsure of your need to seek emergency care.   The emergency department in Clearwater is normally open 24/7.

The inaugural cohort of the NAVIG8 Emerging Medical Leaders Program at Interior Health has graduated. These 26 participants completed a two-year, one-of-a-kind program that equips medical staff (physicians, midwives, nurse practitioners and dentists) with the knowledge, skills, and behaviours to become the next generation of medical leaders in Interior Health. “Interior Health is paving the way in medical leadership training in B.C. and across Canada,” said president and CEO Susan Brown. “NAVIG8 aims to build a community of medical leaders who are partners in continuously improving care and creating and sustaining change in health care. I am thrilled Interior Health has people with a genuine connection to their work and a career that aligns with who they are.” This medical leadership training program is part of Interior Health’s continuous work in medical staff engagement. The idea originated from a late-night brainstorm and notes on a napkin. From there, it grew into a comprehensive leadership development program. “Our NAVIG8 program is an innovative approach to mentoring the next generation of medical leaders at Interior Health,” said Dr. Mike Ertel, vice president medicine and quality. “I have been privileged to speak with each participant in post-session calls and in these conversations, I heard timely and valuable feedback about what was working well and what can be improved. This has been instrumental in shaping the success of the program.” NAVIG8 is designed for medical staff who aspire to, or currently occupy, formal administrative leadership positions in Interior Health and who wish to supplement their medical background with applied operational skills. The program format includes experiential learning projects, a mentorship partnership, and in-person and virtual learning sessions. “Participants learn operational and administrative skills; receive mentorship from medical and administrative leaders; develop a deeper awareness of their own leadership strengths and opportunities; and gain deeper insights into how to engage, inspire, and motivate teams,” said Harsh Hundal, executive medical director, physician engagement and resource planning. Through faculty presentations, case studies, group discussions, workshops, and individual exercises, participants examine the distinctive characteristics that define successful leaders. The curriculum balances thought-provoking analysis and dialogue with self-reflection and personal development. The aim of the program is to build a community of medical leaders who can be effective partners in continuously improving care. NAVIG8 is the only health authority-based medical leadership program in Canada recognized by the Canadian Society of Physician Leaders as a pathway to certification as a physician executive. This unique two-year medical leadership training program has garnered significant interest from other health authorities and provincial organizations. Now in its third year, with the second cohort consisting of physicians, a midwife, and an oral surgeon, NAVIG8 has had a significant impact on program participants. “There is no question in my mind that the program is helping to transform me into a more confident and thoughtful leader. Networking with a group of my peers early on in the program was invaluable. I’m learning as much from my peers as from the speakers,” said a NAVIG8 participant. At the inaugural NAVIG8 graduation event, held April 21 in Kelowna, participants had the opportunity to hear presentations, view project posters, and connect in person. NAVIG8 Cohort 2 began fall 2021 and will graduate summer 2023. Watch a video about the NAVIG8 Emerging Medical Leaders Program

Clearwater and area residents are advised of a temporary change to the emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital this weekend due to unforeseen limited staffing availability. The emergency department will be closed:  5 p.m. Friday, June 3 to 7 a.m. Saturday, June 4 5 p.m. Saturday, June 4 to 7 a.m. Sunday, June 5 Interior Health regrets this temporary change to normal operations and reminds residents to take note of the following if they require care while the emergency department is closed: In the event of an emergency, call 911. Visit the emergency department at one of the following facilities: Royal Inland Hospital – 311 Columbia Street, Kamloops Call HealthLink BC at 8-1-1 (24 hour service) if you are unsure of your need to seek emergency care. The emergency department in Clearwater is normally open 24/7.

Please see the attached document to learn more about the look, contamination, and risk associated with the current drug alert.  View more toxic drug, environmental, and COVID-19 alerts.

Please see the attached document to learn more about the look, contamination, and risk associated with the current drug alert.  View more toxic drug, environmental, and COVID-19 alerts.