Island Health Newsletters

A collection of newsletters from various Island Health departments: 

Island Health Magazines 

Winter 2024 Edition - The Winter Issue of Island Health Magazine features stories about how patients are benefiting from three unique types of nursing care. From the highly specialized care provided by nurse practitioners on our heart health team, to the incredible skills helping in one of our most remote regions, to the expanding services RNs are providing at UPCCs.

Currents - Inside Island Health

Fall 2024 Edition -  The last edition of 2024 shares inspiring staff stories and celebrates uplifting work being done across the island.​

Currents Spring/Summer 2024 Edition - In this edition we feature Island Health’s Heart Health team, shine a light on innovative approaches to quality improvements and solving wicked problems, profile research nurses and a new physician in Port Hardy, and we share Island Health’s efforts to address climate change and the environment. And let’s not forget fun photos – both with and without pets – that highlight the people and daily life in Island Health. Happy reading. ​

Spring 2024 Edition - The Spring Issue of Island Health Magazine explores Hospital at Home nursing, virtual care's impact on mental health, and the expanding roles of Nurse Practitioners. Dive into recent events like Code Hack 2024 and the Climate Change and Community Health Gathering, plus find healthy recipes and lifestyle tips.

Winter 2024 Edition - Read about the achievements, activities and continuous improvement work of colleagues, and see many great photos, including those from the recent Stanley Cup visit at RJH.

Fall 2023 Edition -  In this edition Island Health shares inspirational stories, they profile a leader in geriatric health and staff working in Port McNeill, Island Health applauds staff and medical staff who are doing great work to support those less fortunate and raise awareness of important issues impacting people's health and care, and so much more.

Summer 2023 Edition - In this edition we feature teams who shared their knowledge at the Quality Forum, introduce you to our new environmental scientist, recognize the foresight and planning that helped NRGH through the respiratory surge, celebrate award winners and much more. As well, this issue's We Are Island Health special feature highlights the amazing team at Cowichan District Hospital. 

Virtual Care Services Newsletters

2024 Summer Edition - In the summer edition you will read about: Enabling Virtual Access to the Independent Rights Advice Service Virtual Wound, Ostomy, and Continence Consults in Long Term Care North Island Gender Care Clinic Using BC Virtual Visit Virtual Care Success Stories​

2024 Spring Edition - The Spring 2024 edition of our newsletter is now available, packed with timely virtual care updates and local success stories.

2024 Winter Edition - The latest release of the Virtual Care Services newsletter for winter is here, brimming with up-to-date information and inspiring local achievements. This edition covers a range of topics, including the introduction of Call4Care as a new service, updates on virtual care guidelines and policies, and much more.

2023 Fall Edition - The​ Fall 2023 edition of our newsletter is now available, packed with timely updates and local success stories.​

2023 Summer Edition - In this issue…New Call4Care Service - Pilot Project Overview, Virtual Palliative Support​ive Care Available Island-Wide, Remote Cochlear Implant Service Awarded by Health Quality BC, Virtual Care Success Stories​

IHealth Newsletters

August 2024 IHealth News Brief - In this issue, IHealth discusses the upcoming Go-Live date of Saturday, September 14, 2024, for the implementation of computerized provider order entry (CPOE) and other advanced electronic health record tools at Victoria General Hospital (VGH), Gorge Road Health Centre (GRH) sub-acute units, and South Island Surgical Centre (SISC).

June 2024 IHealth News Brief 

January 2024 Newsletter - The January edition of the IHealth Newsletter covers a range of topics including Key Messages, Order Set Deployment, Practice Changes, and FAQs. 

November 2023 Newsletter - Topics covered in the November IHealth update includes: Patient Discharge information, FAQs, and more.

October 2023 Newsletter - Topics covered in the October IHealth update includes: South Island Tertiary CPOE Update, Key Messages, FAQs, and more.

September 2023 Newsletter - Updates include: Colleagues at NRGH share their experience with adopting CPOE, Workflow Validation Updates, FAQs and more. 

July 2023 Newsletter - Updates include: What is the IHealth Medical Staff Champion Council (MSCC)?, Workflow Validation Updates, Practice Changes: What Medical Staff need to know, FAQs and more.

Harm Reduction Newsletters

Harm Reduction Newsletter - Fall 2024 Issue - In this edition of the Harm Reduction Fall Newsletter (Volume 4, Issue 4), you'll find an update from our Harm Reduction team, a special "Ask Me Anything" feature with Beth Haywood, Peer Project Coordinator, information on accessing harm reduction supplies, a resource for grief and loss support, and a clinical update on injectable opioid agonist treatment (iOAT).

Harm Reduction Newsletter - Summer 2024 Issue - The summer edition of the Harm Reduction Newsletter features articles on International Overdose Awareness Day, new research, and Youth Harm Reduction Award recipients. It also includes updates on online naloxone training from the BCCDC, the MHSU Service Link, and Toxic Drug Health Alerts.

Harm Reduction Newsletter - Spring 2024 Issue - The Spring 2024 edition of The Harm Reduction Newsletter features: Enhanced S.A.V.E. M.E. Guidelines, Lifesaving Strategies, Peer Project Coordinator Consultation, Resources for Prolonged Sedation, and Broadened Text Alert Initiatives.

Winter 2024 Newsletter - Volume 4 Issue 1 - In the winter issue of our Harm Reduction Newsletter, find out more about nominating a young person(s) for our annual Harm Reduction Youth Award, learn about a new inhalation service and much more. 

Fall 2023 Volume 3 - Issue 4: In the fall issue of the Harm Reduction Newsletter learn more about the OD Reporting functionality of the text alert system, new team members, and recently added Harm Reduction training modules!​

Summer 2023 Volume 3 - Issue 3: ​In this issue learn more about changes to the Population and Public Health Harm Reduction Team. And, did you ever have a question about harm reduction and was unsure to ask? Here is your opportunity to ask Beth, our Peer Project Coordinator, anything. 

Mental Health 

Oct - Nov 2024 issue of Mental Health Act (MHA) INFOBITS - In the October/November Infobits issue: Our new webinar series, information and link to the Learning Hub MHA education online module, how-to (and why?) videos, document samples, and more, to support your practice. 

MHSU Update: October Edition - The MHSU Update is a monthly communication designed to connect Island Health staff with key developments and achievements across the portfolio. October highlights include an update on MHSU Acute Accreditation, the Art Wellness Studio Clinic, and the acceptance of an abstract for a conference presentation.

September MHSU Monthly Update - September 2024 highlights include the Westshore Hub opening, an award nomination for the Bridging Care Program team, and Truth & Reconciliation Day.

MHSU Update June/July - June and July highlights include the introduction of a new assisted living model at Hillside Terrace, the availability of drop-in counseling services in Nanaimo, easily accessible mental health and substance use support through a dedicated phone line, the celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day, and the Pip to Spruce initiative.

MHA Infobits: June and July 2024 - The audits and the subsequent reporting come as part of the BC Office of the Ombudsperson's recommendations, following their 2019 report on the administration of the MHA across BC health authorities.

April/May MHSU Update - The Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) Update connects Island Health staff with the latest news and achievements. April/May highlights include a new Early Psychosis Intervention facility, the launch of Just Culture training, welcoming new team members, and celebrating the literary success of Psychiatric Nurse May Sosa. We also spotlight the positive impacts of our Acute MHSU Quality Improvement Huddles.

April - May 2024 issue of Mental Health Act (MHA) INFOBITS - The topic for April /May 2024 is Recall under the Mental Health Act (MHA) and its administration.

MHSU Update March 2024 - March highlights include: Young Adult Unit at RJH, Supporting MHSU Allyship Journey, and Cowichan Lodge Welcomes MHSU Pilot Program LPN Learners.

MHSU Update February 2024 - The January/February Edition is out now of the Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) newsletter. Find out more about the new treatment centre in Parksville, the new youth program and much more. 

January 2024 issue of Mental Health Act (MHA) INFOBITS -  January issue is covering the new Medical Certificates, forms 4.1 and 4.2 that will take effect on February 1, 2024.

Mental Health and Substance Use Update - Fall 2023 - The Mental Health and Substance Use (MHSU) update is a monthly communication that is intended to connect Island Health staff with developments and achievements across the portfolio. This newsletter's highlights include:​The Department of Psychiatry Retreat, Winter Pr​otocols Reminder! and Strengthening Allyship Table​.

November 2023 issue of Mental Health Act (MHA) INFOBITS - The Mental Health Act (MHA) Infobits monthly newsletter highlights MHA educational supports, resources and provincial updates. November 2023 topic is MHA Directors and Delegates’ duties and authority at Island Health. MHA Directors and their delegates play a key role in shared organizational accountability under the MHA.

Mental Health and Substance Use Update - October 2023

October 2023 Issue - The October BC Mental Health Act Infobits monthly newsletter highlights MHA educational supports, resources and provincial updates to support your practice. The topic for October 2023 is Review Panel Hearings.

September 2023 Issue -  MHA Online education module available through The Learning Hub. It has recently been updated to reflect trauma-informed, culturally-safe and recovery-oriented practice approaches along with the changes made to the BC MHA medical certificates and the involuntary admission process.

July 2023 Issue - The July 2023 issue discusses process and considerations of authorizing Extended Leave for someone receiving involuntary treatment under the MHA.

MAiD Newsletters

March 2024 Edition - See updates on current legislation, referral process, alternate locations and words of appreciation.  ​ 

July Edition - The July edition of the MAiD Newsletter is here.  Read about updates on current legislation, waitlist mangement and provider/assessor education opportunities. 

Between the Lines 

November Edition 2024 - This edition covers Suboxone safety, burnout prevention resources, a PIECES case study, diabetes wound care tips, and safe PEG administration—plus more to support your team!

September Edition 2024 - The Long-term Care Program Newsletter features key highlights such as caregiver support programs, IPAC order entry updates, case studies like the PIECES approach, reminders from the Coding Corner, and introductions of new and returning team members.

May Edition -  In the May newsletter, explore resources for enhancing workplace civility, guidelines for PSLS wound reporting, and surprising insights into Naloxone administration in LTC settings. Also bid farewell to Dacia Reid, Manager of LTC Program Practice & Education, as she retires, acknowledging her significant contributions, and more.

November Edition - November 2023 Highlights: MRSA-colonized or infected? Check out the resources, Individualized Management Alcohol Plan iMAP is available in LTC, Practice your PIECES™ approach and access the new RAI courses and more.

July Edition - HIGHLIGHTS for July Between the Lines newsletter: Using Powerchart & Electronic Health Record to improve communication, Using My Story to support a person-centered approach and more.

Community Resource Team Update

November Edition - The Community Resource Team's (CRT) October Update for Community Health Services (CHS) includes information about  a new Hospital Liaison roles and responsibilities e-manual, CRT practice support for long-term care access, changes to the Provincial Skin and Wound Formulary, and other important news for all CHS staff. 

June Edition

July Edition