News
March 7, 2024
Medical Health Officers' Newsletter: No. 357
Global increase in measles cases: Measles cases are increasing globally, with recent reports of outbreaks in Europe and India and limited spread in USA and Quebec. Travel-acquired measles cases in Island Health are possible, which could lead to local outbreaks.
March 6, 2024
New Study: Prescribing Opioids to People reduces Deaths in BC
A new study by the University of British Columbia and BC Centre for Disease Control, among others, published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ), shows people prescribed at least one day's supply of pharmaceutical-grade opioids had a 61 per cent lower risk of death from any cause the following week.
March 4, 2024
It's Time to Renew Your BCCNM Registration
This is a reminder that BC College of Nurses and Midwives (BCCNM) registration renewal is underway.
March 4, 2024
Measles Cases are on the Rise - Ensure Immunizations Are Up to Date
Measles is circulating internationally and there are cases in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia. Please remind your patients/clients to ensure their routine immunizations are up to date, especially before travelling.
March 4, 2024
Island Health: Doctors of BC Survey Results
Doctors of BC recently released results from the 8th annual Health Authority Engagement Survey. This survey measures BC physicians’ level of engagement with their respective health authorities and hospitals/sites.
March 4, 2024
Island Health Enhances Harm Reduction for Substance Use Education with New Review Process
Island Health has established a Harm Reduction for Substance Education Review Committee. The committee will review and approve all education and safety materials related to harm reduction for substance use.
March 1, 2024
Minister’s statement on lives lost to poisoned drugs in January
Jennifer Whiteside, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions, has released the following statement regarding the BC Coroners Service report on illicit drug toxicity deaths in January.
February 28, 2024
SI Tertiary CPOE Activation Rescheduled to May 25 & June 8
The IHealth activation of advanced electronic health record (EHR) functionality, including electronic ordering (computerized provider order entry, or CPOE) at South Island Tertiary sites is re-scheduled as follows: Victoria General Hospital, Gorge Road Hospital acute units and South Island Surgical Centre will go live on May 25, 2024. Royal Jubilee Hospital will go live on June 8, 2024.
February 28, 2024
Sign Up for Quality Improvement (QI) Fundamentals Training in Parksville, BC
Join Island Health for the two-day Physician Quality Improvement (PQI) Fundamentals workshop, offering a prime chance to connect with peers from all over the island, acquire essential QI tools, and hone practical skills for enhancing care quality and provider satisfaction.
February 22, 2024
8-Hr Downtime for the Cerner Electronic Health Record: How to Prepare
Cerner, Island Health's major Electronic Health Record (EHR), will undergo an important upgrade. The transition involves a planned, region-wide downtime for all Cerner applications that run on the Citrix Workspace. A planned 8-hour outage to the Cerner applications will take place from 10 p.m. on Friday, February 23 to Saturday, February 24 at 6.a.m.