Last year, Interior Health welcomed 6,136 newborns in our hospitals, an increase of 489 births or a nine per cent increase over 2020.

“Interior Health is happily welcoming our tiniest patients to the world as communities grow throughout the region,” said Interior Health president and CEO, Susan Brown. “I would like to congratulate all of the families who welcomed newborns last year and thank our dedicated maternity teams for ensuring the highest quality of care for these little ones and their families.”

When my frail elderly aunt had a fall at home, she was admitted to Penticton Regional Hospital emergency department for assessment. The care team listened to our concerns and worked with us to figure out how best to assess her, because we knew her best and understood what her usual behaviours and abilities were.

Later in the day, the physician contacted us to explain the assessment, interventions and follow up and then asked my husband, “how do you feel about taking her home?”

Kootenay Boundary Regional Hospital team

The pharmacy team at Interior Health is constantly striving to be at the leading edge of health care through innovation, progression and dedication. 

Whether a staff pharmacist, clinical pharmacist, pharmacy assistant or pharmacy technician, they are all part of a larger team that has been built on the foundation of support and collaboration. 

Have you ever thought about ways to enhance our food systems for a healthier tomorrow? At Interior Health (IH), public health dietitians work with communities to increase food security, support food literacy and strengthen local food systems. 

Dr. Harsh Hundal, Interior Health executive medical director for quality and patient safety, was recognized with the Doug Cochrane Leadership in Quality Award from the BC Patient Safety & Quality Council. This award celebrates someone who made an inspirational, significant and sustained contribution to improving the quality of health care in British Columbia.

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. 

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One year ago today, Crystal Head of Vernon was the first registered nurse in B.C. to write an opioid agonist treatment (OAT) prescription for opioid use disorder, as part of the provincial government’s overdose response.

Since that time, the nurse prescriber team in Interior Health has grown to include 16 nurses, working in 11 communities to support people with opioid use disorder, including 100 Mile House, Castlegar, Cranbrook, the Elk Valley, Nelson, Penticton, Lillooet, Revelstoke, Trail, Kelowna and Vernon.

People in the Okanagan living with mental health and substance-use challenges will have access to new treatment and recovery services as government responds to the rising need due to the toxic drug supply. 

Members of the Kamloops Integrated Treatment Team are providing a new model of flexible, discreet and person-centred substance use treatment. Left to right: Loyd Suel, Avery Foster, Shawna Calhoun and Jen Howes.

People in Vernon will have access to new and expanded mental health and substance-use services as government continues to build a comprehensive system of care throughout British Columbia.

Through Interior Health, the Province will add four new services and expand four others, as well as recruit 19 full-time equivalent workers to provide substance-use and mental health supports in Vernon and nearby communities.

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