People in Nelson and across the West Kootenay region are invited to have a sneak peek at the new Nelson Fairview Gardens on Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, from 1 to 2 p.m.

Hosted by Interior Health, the open house offers community members a first look at Nelson Fairview Gardens, the new long-term care building, before it officially opens to residents later in September. As well, Kootenay Kids Society will offer tours though the new childcare space, Fairview Early Learning Centre.

For nearly three decades, a small playroom in Cariboo Memorial Hospital’s (CMH) emergency department has been a sanctuary for children and families in crisis. Known as Avril’s Room, it was created in memory of eight-year-old Avril Chevigny, who passed away on May 25, 1996, after a courageous battle with lymphoma/leukemia.

This is part one in our three-part series that explores food literacy in schools in the Interior Health region.

Students at KLO Middle School in Kelowna are learning about growing food and the importance of caring for the land thanks to the addition of a modular farm on school grounds. 

Name: Echo Porlier (she/her/hers)
Job Title: Rural Nurse Educator
Length of Service: 20 years
Worksite: Nicola Valley Hospital
Community: Thompson Cariboo region
Ancestral Territory: Secwépemc/Shuswap Interior Salish

Construction is beginning on a new and expanded long-term care facility in Cranbrook. 

When complete, the new Dr. F.W. Green Memorial Home will more than double the number of long-term beds at the home to help meet the growing needs of seniors in the region.

Trail Health Centre Laboratory services continue as Interior Health engages with community leaders to review service options in consultation with the Ministry of Health. A decision outlining the long-term model for laboratory services in Trail is expected in early 2026.

Outpatient laboratory services, including specimen collection, are currently available at: 

Interior Health is providing an update to expectant patients of available primary care maternity services in Kamloops following a decision by the Thompson Region Family Obstetrics (TRFO) physician group to close to new referrals. This change will allow them to dedicate available physician resources to critical 24-7 labour and delivery services at Royal Inland Hospital (RIH).

For nursing students eager to gain real-world experience, grow their confidence and contribute meaningfully to patient care, Interior Health’s Employed Student Nurse (ESN) and Employed Student Psychiatric Nurse (ESPN) Program offers a unique and impactful path into the profession.

This paid employment program supports students enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or Psychiatric Nursing program who have completed their second or third year of study.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital.

Emergency services will be unavailable from 8 p.m. Monday, September 8 to 7 a.m. on Tuesday, September 9, 2025. Patients can access emergency care in Penticton Regional Hospital during this time.

All other inpatient services will continue at South Okanagan General Hospital.

Oliver and area residents are advised of temporary changes to emergency department hours at South Okanagan General Hospital. 

Emergency services will be unavailable from 1 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 7 to 7 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 8, 2025. Patients can access emergency care in Penticton Regional Hospital during this time.