Medical Staff News
News
Nominations Open for the 2026 Planetary Health Awards
Now accepting nominations for the 2026 Planetary Health Awards!
International Overdose Awareness Day: Honouring Lives, Strengthening Community Care
August 31, 2026 marks the 25th anniversary of International Overdose Awareness Day (IOAD), a global movement dedicated to honouring lives lost to overdose, supporting those affected, and challenging stigma. This year's theme, "25 Years. Still Needed.", recognizes the progress made while underscoring the ongoing need for awareness, prevention, and compassionate care.
Community Medical Director, Port Alberni & West Coast (CMD-PAWC-1)
The Community Medical Director Port Alberni & West Coast is responsible for medical staff governance and clinical quality, consistent with Island Health’s Medical Staff By-laws and Rules, Primary Care policies, and quality structures.
New Supportive Recovery Beds Expand Substance-use Services in Alberni Valley
People with substance-use challenges in the Alberni Valley and West Coast will soon be able to access more recovery supports closer to home with the opening of eight new supportive recovery and stabilization beds. Dr. Réka Gustafson, Vice President, Population and Public Health and Chief Medical Health Officer, says the new beds are an important part of the system of care.
Expanding substance-use supports for people in Alberni Valley
People with substance-use challenges in the Alberni Valley and West Coast will have access to more supports closer to home with the opening of eight new substance-use beds.
NBA Job Action Update: Mediation Recommendations Accepted
After a ten-day mediation period with mediators Vince Ready and Amanda Rogers, the Nurses Bargaining Association (NBA), the Health Employers Association of British Columbia (HEABC), and the Minister of Labour have accepted the Special Mediators’ report and the recommendations. Full details will be forthcoming.
Island Health Medical Staff Bulletin
In this July issue, you'll find information on British Columbia Nurses’ Union (BCNU) Job Action, UBC Sauders Physician Leadership Program, Medical Leader Opportunity and more.
The Power of the P.A.U.S.E. – A Simple Tool for Challenging Days
To support all Medical Staff, Psychological Health & Safety has developed a simple and practical tool to remind us to P.A.U.S.E. — to better manage reactions to stress, to navigate moments of uncertainty, and to continue to support one another regardless.
Changes to Accessing Online Tools and Resources
Island Health has updated access to some internal systems. For most medical staff, no action is required.
New Layout for Tiles for Employee Self Service (ESS) and Online My Request Forms
The Employee Self Service updated on July 8, 2026, with an improved layout for users, sorting functions and included the availability of Pay Query, Scheduling Query, and Working From Home forms add to the Online My Request Forms.