Royal Inland Hospital (RIH) in Kamloops has completed a three-year project that will see waste anesthetic gases (WAGs) collected in all 11 of its operating rooms, significantly reducing the hospital’s carbon footprint.

Anesthetic gases used for surgeries are a known potent source of greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Only five per cent of anesthetic gas is metabolized by the body, while the remaining 95 per cent is typically collected and vented out of the operating room and building.

Name: Angela Ozero (she/her/hers)
Job Title:  Physiotherapist
Years of Service: 15
Worksite: Vernon Jubilee Hospital
Community: Vernon
Ancestral Territory: Syilx Okanagan
Favourite Quote: “Today is a gift. That's why we call it 'The Present'.” – Eleanor Roosevelt

During National Immunization Awareness Week (April 24 – 30), Interior Health encourages individuals and families to stay on track with their immunizations.

“It is hard to imagine a world without vaccines,” said Dr. Fatemeh Sabet, Interior Health medical health officer. “I am so grateful for having access to a simple tool that has saved millions of lives and prevented serious consequences of so many vaccine preventable communicable diseases.”

It’s time to have your voice heard.

Public Health launched the third round of the province-wide SPEAK survey on April 25, 2023. SPEAK (Population Experiences, Action and Knowledge) is a chance to have your voice heard about your social, economic, physical and mental health and well-being.

Participate in this year’s survey

Kamloops mother Julie Smith has never doubted the importance of routine immunizations in keeping herself and her family healthy.

Even following a febrile seizure during their routine 18-month immunization, she is committed to keeping her children as healthy as possible and keeping their vaccine schedule on track.

“Children’s health and immunity is very important, it’s just an added layer of protection. I always get my vaccines including my flu shots and make sure we stay up-to-date.”

In the past few years, British Columbians have faced increasingly challenging environmental and climate related events. Extreme heat, wildfires and floods are a few examples of disasters that have significantly affected those living in the Interior and the rest of B.C.

This interdependence between our health and the environment compels us to continue our work to reduce our environmental footprint toward a low-carbon future.

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

View more toxic drug and natural disaster alerts

Name: Wendy Glover (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Team lead, administrative support services, KB Community, Clinical Operations, South
Years of Service: 26
Worksite: Kiro Wellness Centre
Community: Trail
Ancestral Territory: Syilx and Ktunaxa

People in Kelowna and area will have increased access to medical imaging with the installation of a new 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machine at Kelowna General Hospital (KGH) and the replacement of an existing 1.5T MRI machine.

Thousands of volunteers of all ages work alongside our staff across the Interior Health region. Volunteers complement the care provided by our professionals, and are welcomed, respected and valued members of the IH care team.

The incredible work, kindness and dedication of our volunteers make a huge difference in delivering outstanding care and positive experiences to the people we serve.