Doctors

James Hanson is the vice-president of North Island clinical operations for Island Health. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)

Island Health executive answers tough questions about North Island health care

James Hanson addresses lack of staff, public criticism other health care challenges in the region

James Hanson is the vice-president of North Island clinical operations for Island Health. (Tyson Whitney - North Island Gazette)
A Duncan doctor has been disciplined for his use of hypnosis and non-approved drugs in treatment. (Black Press media file photo)

Duncan doctor disciplined for using psilocybin, MDMA, hypnosis as therapy

The offences occurred between October 2020 and April 2021

A Duncan doctor has been disciplined for his use of hypnosis and non-approved drugs in treatment. (Black Press media file photo)
Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi. (BC Green Party handout photo)

Why a top B.C. heart surgeon quit for politics

‘I didn’t in good conscience think we were providing the best possible care to our patients anymore’

  • Feb 13, 2023
Dr. Sanjiv Gandhi. (BC Green Party handout photo)
Training of surgeons in Canada has taken a heavy knock from the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some doctors say their clinical education has been delayed again in recent months as many hospitals across the country cancelled elective procedures to keep up with emergency care. A surgery is performed in the operating room in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Doctors say surgical training, delayed by the pandemic, continues to be affected

A delay on surgeries has meant a delay on surgery trainees getting the hands on experience they need

Training of surgeons in Canada has taken a heavy knock from the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic, and some doctors say their clinical education has been delayed again in recent months as many hospitals across the country cancelled elective procedures to keep up with emergency care. A surgery is performed in the operating room in Toronto’s Hospital for Sick Children on Wednesday, November 30, 2022. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
The emergency room at Port Hardy Hospital will remain closed overnight for the foreseeable future, the province announced Friday. (Island Health Photo)

B.C. confirms ongoing overnight closures for emergency rooms in Port Hardy, Alert Bay

Province announces additional investments without giving a firm time line when ERs will reopen

The emergency room at Port Hardy Hospital will remain closed overnight for the foreseeable future, the province announced Friday. (Island Health Photo)
Port Hardy Hospital. (Island Health photo)

Doctor warns Port Hardy more resignations are coming by June, mayor writes letter to Dix

With health-care services continuing to suffer, Nataros and council back physician assistants

Port Hardy Hospital. (Island Health photo)
(Black Press media file photo)

Roadblocks to solving B.C.’s doctor shortfall

Raising salaries not only solution

(Black Press media file photo)
North Island Hospital – Campbell River and District. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror

Doctors ask City of Campbell River for help with doctor shortage

18 vacancies represent 6,000 to 8,000 patients without a family doctor

North Island Hospital – Campbell River and District. Photo by Alistair Taylor/Campbell River Mirror
Dr. Albert de Villiers is currently on trial facing charges of sex crimes against a child. (File photo)

Trial underway for former Interior Health top doc charged with sex crimes against child

Dr. Albert de Villiers is on trial in Grande Prairie, Alta.

Dr. Albert de Villiers is currently on trial facing charges of sex crimes against a child. (File photo)
Residents are advised to keep tabs on the ongoing changes to hours at the Chemainus Urgent Care Centre. (Photo by Don Bodger)

Limited physician availability impacts Chemainus Urgent Care hours

Six closure dates during the first half of January

Residents are advised to keep tabs on the ongoing changes to hours at the Chemainus Urgent Care Centre. (Photo by Don Bodger)
Port Hardy Hospital will have no overnight emergency department for 18 days. (Island Health photo)

18-day overnight emergency department closure announced for Port Hardy Hospital

Port McNeill Hospital to remain open 24/7, unless otherwise announced as staffing shortages continue

Port Hardy Hospital will have no overnight emergency department for 18 days. (Island Health photo)
Internationally-trained doctors are speaking out about B.C.’s particularly restrictive licensing qualifications. Some say they are leaving the province to practise medicine elsewhere as a result. From top left clockwise: Dr. Rajkumar Luke, Dr. Azadeh Shafiei, Dr. Honieh Barzegari and Dr. Reza Asgari. (Submitted photos)

Amid a chronic shortage, B.C. at risk of losing hundreds of internationally-trained doctors

Restrictions in B.C. pushing doctors to other provinces

Internationally-trained doctors are speaking out about B.C.’s particularly restrictive licensing qualifications. Some say they are leaving the province to practise medicine elsewhere as a result. From top left clockwise: Dr. Rajkumar Luke, Dr. Azadeh Shafiei, Dr. Honieh Barzegari and Dr. Reza Asgari. (Submitted photos)
A child with the flu can have hallucinations, but be assured these episodes can be brief and don’t require treatment, says Dr. Kathryn MacKinlay, a Pediatrician in Vernon. (Interior Heath)

This year’s flu causing hallucinations among children: B.C. pediatrician

Her daughter started experiencing hallucinations the morning after a feverish night

A child with the flu can have hallucinations, but be assured these episodes can be brief and don’t require treatment, says Dr. Kathryn MacKinlay, a Pediatrician in Vernon. (Interior Heath)
St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver is shown on April 29, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward

B.C. doctors ratify new agreement that includes pay increase, more rural funding

3-year agreement includes better after-hours pay, more rural funding, shift toward primary care

St. Paul’s hospital in Vancouver is shown on April 29, 2010. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jonathan Hayward
An aerial view of Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island. (alertbay.ca photo)

Cormorant Island’s health-care crisis continues on, with no end in sight

Two doctors have finished out their contracts, leaving only one doctor now for the entire island

An aerial view of Alert Bay, located on Cormorant Island. (alertbay.ca photo)
(File photo: Tom Zytaruk)

Promised new SFU Surrey medical school to be ready by 2026, B.C. announces

Province announced new injection of up to $4.9 million on Nov. 28

(File photo: Tom Zytaruk)
Port Hardy Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt gave an update on the health-care crisis during council’s Nov. 8 meeting. (Screenshot from council meeting)

Port Hardy at 50 per cent capacity for doctors and nurses

Port Hardy has one new doctor moving into the community

Port Hardy Mayor Pat Corbett-Labatt gave an update on the health-care crisis during council’s Nov. 8 meeting. (Screenshot from council meeting)
B.C. Premier David Eby and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced changes Nov. 27 to how internationally-trained doctors can practice in B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck

B.C. opens doors to more internationally-trained doctors with new changes

Province tripling spots in licensing program, expediting process for U.S. physicians

B.C. Premier David Eby and Health Minister Adrian Dix announced changes Nov. 27 to how internationally-trained doctors can practice in B.C. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck
Canada’s health ministers are set to meet in Vancouver on Nov. 7 and 8 to discuss solutions to health-care crises. (Adobe Stock Image)

Doctors, nurses call for action on crumbling care, health ministers meet in Vancouver

Health ministers from across Canada set to meet Monday and Tuesday

Canada’s health ministers are set to meet in Vancouver on Nov. 7 and 8 to discuss solutions to health-care crises. (Adobe Stock Image)
A Chilliwack doctor has been disciplined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (Stock photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash)

Fraser Valley doctor suspended after sending inappropriate messages to patient

The College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia handed Dr. Rafet Jhameel a 3 month ban

A Chilliwack doctor has been disciplined by the College of Physicians and Surgeons of B.C. (Stock photo by Marcelo Leal on Unsplash)