National Observer, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
B.C. has declared a state of emergency to ensure a province wide response to the COVID-19 pandemic and protect the supply chain of essential goods and services.
Continue reading COVID-19 hasn’t stopped this Quadra Island pharmacist from serving her community(Editor’s note: The following article mentions matters of concern to residents of the entire Greater Campbell River Health Area, which includes Cortes, Quadra and other Discovery Islands.)
The Comox-Strathcona Regional Hospital District board (CSRHB) wants consultation of clinical pathology samples to remain in the Comox and Campbell River hospitals. It notified Island Health, twice, and received no answer. Now, with the current pathology contracts coming up for renewal at the end of this month, the hospital board fears Island Health is ignoring local wishes to retain pathology services.
Continue reading Hospital Board Fears Island Health Is Ignoring Local Wishes“Many of you may be aware of or have used VIHA’s home support services program, but not so many are aware that they have other choices when you require more assistance with daily living. Home support services provide a home care which we pay for according to our income. This service, though staffed by excellent workers, can be inconsistent and limited. Staff are only allowed to perform certain tasks and you may be assigned a different worker each day. The other option, which many of us do not consider, or may not be aware of is CSIL: Choice in Supports for Independent Living,” explained Quadra Island resident Ann McLean, in her rich Scottish brogue.
Continue reading CSIL: Choice In Supports For Independent Living(Editor’s note: The following article mentions matters of concern to residents of the entire Greater Campbell River Health Area, which includes Cortes, Quadra and other Discovery Islands.)
According to Dr David Robertson of Island Health, transferring the consultation of clinical pathology samples from Campbell River to specialists in Nanaimo and Victoria was a significant improvement. He insists the turnaround time on lab results is consistent with, or better than, when those services were provided in Campbell River. Dr. Aref TabarsiI, senior general pathologist at the Campbell River hospital, 75 doctors, the Campbell River Hospital’s surgeons, lab technologists, assistants and board of directors all disagree. Campbell River’s City Council, the Regional Hospital Board and the laboratory staff demand that local pathology services be restored – but neither Island Health or the Ministry of Health are responding. Two hundred citizens came to hear more at the Citizens for Quality Health Care/Council of Canadians Town hall meeting ‘Protect Our Hospital Services’ held in the Campbell River Sportsplex on Sunday, Feb 9, 2020.
Continue reading Protect Our Hospital ServicesThe Cortes Community Health Association’s (CCHA) Augmented Home Support Program (AHSP) provides minimal assistance to elderly people who might otherwise be forced to leave the island. So far, they have given 37 Cortes residents transportation to shopping and/or doctor; moved firewood; or light housekeeping. When needed, AHSP has provided some pre-cooked meals. This service is not a substitute for personal care provided by Island Health (like bathing, dressing changes or help with taking medication), but has been of great assistance to Cortes residents undergoing surgery or soon to be released from the hospital. The program’s funding challenges were such that CCHA actually contemplated terminating it last fall. Island Health will fund Cortes Island’s Augmented Home Support Program during 2020.
Continue reading Island Health Will Fund Cortes Island's Augmented Home Support Program During 2020
