There were smiles all around at the grand opening of the Williams Lake Urgent and Primary Care Centre on the morning of Feb. 28. Pictured from left to right: Dr. Glenn Fedor; Interior Health Executive Director Karen Cooper; Williams Lake Mayor Surinderpal Rathor; VP of Clinical Operations Diane Shendruk; UPCC manager Michelle Murray; and Director of Clinical Operations Kelly Dillon. Missing from the photo is Chief Willie Sellars, who opened the ceremony with a territory welcome, blessing and traditional drumming. 

Name: Amelie Darblade (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Project Manager, Digital Health
Years of Service: 2.5
Worksite: Remote
Community: Kimberley
Ancestral Territory: Ktunaxa

Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 26 to 7 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital.

As a caregiver, one of the most important responsibilities is ensuring the safety of the children in your care. While many of the toys and devices children love are designed with their safety in mind, there’s one hidden danger that is often overlooked: button batteries. 

These small, coin-sized batteries are found in everyday items such as remote controls, hearing aids, toys, watches and even greeting cards. Unfortunately, button batteries can pose a significant risk if ingested, especially for young children who might mistake them for candy or small toys.

Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 25 to 7 a.m., Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Name: Shawna Glassel (any)
Job Title: Nurse Practitioner Lead - Primary Care South & Virtual
Years of Service: 1.5
Worksite: Remote
Community: Clearwater
Ancestral Territory: Simpcw territory of the Secwépemc Nation

Kaslo and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Victorian Community Health Centre of Kaslo. 

Emergency services will be unavailable immediately until 5:00 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2025. Patients can access care at Kootenay Lake Hospital in Nelson during this time.

Merritt and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from Sunday, Feb. 23 at 6 p.m. to 7 a.m. Monday, Feb. 24, 2025. Patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Clearwater and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital.

Leaking or dribbling pee, not being able to pee (or poo), discomfort and pain in your lower abdomen (tummy), or symptoms that interfere with sexual enjoyment: these and other health conditions “below your waist” can be difficult or embarrassing to talk about.

Pelvic health is foundational to your quality of life. Good bladder, bowel, reproductive and sexual health are key to living well. It’s important to share your concerns with your family physician—bud did you know there are there are other health-care providers you can turn to, and non-surgical treatment options?