Submitted by Susan Brown, President & CEO, Interior Health

I was recently looking at the website of Moms Stop the Harm, a local advocacy group that is heavily involved in organizing Overdose Awareness Day events. I was reflecting on the last few years; the increasing drug toxicity deaths we’re seeing, the tremendous challenges first responders and care providers face, and the loss communities continue to experience.

Navigating a conversation about an individual’s serious illness can be a difficult and uncomfortable part of the job for many health-care providers. Some may be unsure about what to ask, or how much detail to share with someone about their condition and prognosis.

Yet, having open, honest and compassionate conversations with people during their illness is essential to help individuals and families make care decisions that align with their personal goals, hopes and wishes.

Barriere and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at Barriere and District Health Centre due to limited nursing availability.

Starting Monday, Aug. 29 at 8:30 a.m., to Wednesday, Aug. 31 at 4:30 p.m., emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops.

During this time, all other services will continue as normal at the Barriere Health Centre.

Clearwater and area residents are advised of ongoing temporary changes to overnight emergency department (ED) hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital due to limited nursing availability.

Emergency services will not be available from 6 p.m. on Aug. 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, Sept. 1 and Sept. 2 until 7 a.m. the following mornings.

The emergency department will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on all these dates.

When service is not available, patients can access care at:

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.

Shawna Biron, far right, with colleagues (L-R) Debbie Whitehead, Shannon Statham and Terri Domin at a recent Ktunaxa Nation Letter of Understanding meeting.

Our social media platforms are a great way to engage with our Interior Health community and share information. Check out these recent posts, and consider sharing them with your friends and family on your own social channels. 

If the link to the social channel does not open, please try another browser. You may be able to find these posts on other social channels.

Merritt and area residents are advised of a temporary change to emergency department hours at Nicola Valley Hospital due to unexpected limited physician availability.

Starting 8 a.m. Sunday, August 21 to 8 a.m. Monday, August 22, emergency services will be unavailable and patients can access care at Royal Inland Hospital in Kamloops or Kelowna General Hospital.

During this time, all other inpatient services will continue as normal at Nicola Valley Hospital.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department (ED) hours at South Okanagan General Hospital, due to limited physician availability.

Starting at 6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 20 until 8 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 21 emergency services will be unavailable, and patients can access care at Penticton Regional Hospital – 550 Carmi Ave, Penticton.

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.

Clearwater and area residents are advised of ongoing temporary changes to overnight emergency department (ED) hours at Dr. Helmcken Memorial Hospital due to limited nursing availability.

Emergency services will not be available starting at 6 p.m. on Aug. 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 and 26 until 7 a.m. the following mornings.

The emergency department will be open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. on all these dates.

When service is not available, patients can access care at: